Life & Legacy
Early Life and Education
Prof. Krori completed his Bachelor of Science degree from Karimganj College before earning his Master of Science in Physics from the University of Calcutta in 1953. His passion for theoretical physics led him to pursue independent research while continuing his teaching career. In 1971, he received his PhD in Theoretical Physics from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and scientific discovery.
Academic Career
Prof. Krori began his teaching career as a lecturer at Karimganj College before joining Cotton College in Guwahati in 1955. During the 1960s, when research in general relativity was almost absent in Northeast India, he laid the foundation for advanced studies in this field. He later became Professor and Head of the Department of Physics at Cotton College, transforming the institution into an important centre for theoretical physics research. From 1987 to 1991, he served as the Principal of Cotton College, where he strengthened academic standards and encouraged scientific research. Even after retirement, he remained active as a UGC Emeritus Fellow and continued contributing to physics education and research.
Research Contributions
Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori is best known for the famous Krori-Barua Solution, developed in 1975 with his student J. Barua. This exact solution of Einstein's field equations describes a singularity-free charged fluid sphere and remains one of the most widely cited contributions in relativistic astrophysics. The model continues to be used by researchers studying compact stars, neutron stars, strange stars, and gravitational physics across the world.
Another landmark contribution came in 1982 when Prof. Krori and his collaborators demonstrated through theoretical calculations that neutrinos must possess a small but finite rest mass for consistency with Einstein's theory of general relativity. At a time when neutrinos were widely believed to be massless, this prediction was considered revolutionary. The discovery of neutrino oscillations by the Super-Kamiokande experiment in Japan in 1998 later confirmed that neutrinos indeed have tiny masses, validating the significance of his theoretical work.
Throughout his research career, Prof. Krori explored exact solutions of Einstein's field equations, cosmology, black holes, string cosmology, quantum mechanics, higher-dimensional gravity, and particle physics. He authored nearly 150 research papers published in reputed national and international scientific journals and supervised 16 PhD scholars, many of whom later became respected physicists.
Books Written
Prof. Krori has also made significant contributions to physics education through his textbooks, which continue to be widely used by university students.
Books authored include:
- Fundamentals of Special and General Relativity (2010)
- Principles of Non-Relativistic and Relativistic Quantum Mechanics (2012)
- Advanced Heat and Thermodynamics (2004)
These books simplify complex scientific concepts and have become valuable learning resources for physics students across India.
Positions Held
During his distinguished career, Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori held several important academic and administrative positions, including:
- Lecturer, Karimganj College
- Lecturer, Professor and Head, Department of Physics, Cotton College
- Principal, Cotton College (1987-1991)
- UGC Emeritus Fellow in Physics (1991-1993)
- Founder-Director, Srimanta Sankar Academy (1992-2003)
- Member, New York Academy of Sciences
- Fellow, Physics Academy of the North East (PANE)
Awards and Recognition
Prof. Krori's lifelong dedication to education and scientific research has been recognised through numerous prestigious honours.
Major awards include:
- Dr. H. C. Bhuyan Award in Physical Sciences (1990)
- UGC Emeritus Fellowship (1991-1993)
- National Teacher Award (2010)
- Baidya Roychoudhury Award (2020)
- Academic Physics Award (2021)
- Assam Sourav, the second-highest civilian award of Assam (2021)
- Lifetime Achievement Award by Assam Science, Technology and Environment Council (2023)
- Fellow of the Physics Academy of the North East (2025)
Legacy
Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern theoretical physics in Northeast India. His groundbreaking research, internationally recognised scientific publications, and decades of mentorship have inspired generations of physicists. His prediction regarding neutrino mass and the Krori-Barua Solution remain important milestones in modern physics. Beyond his scientific achievements, his dedication as an educator and institution builder has left a lasting impact on higher education in Assam. His remarkable journey continues to inspire students, researchers, and science enthusiasts, making him one of the most respected scientists produced by Assam.
FAQs about Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori
1. Who is Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori?
Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori is a renowned Assamese theoretical physicist, educator, and former Principal of Cotton College, known for pioneering research in general relativity.
2. Why is Kamalendu Deb Krori famous?
He is famous for developing the internationally recognised Krori-Barua Solution and for establishing general relativity research in Northeast India.
3. What is the Krori-Barua Solution?
The Krori-Barua Solution is an exact solution of Einstein's field equations describing a singularity-free charged fluid sphere and is widely used in astrophysics research.
4. Where was Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori born?
He was born on 21 January 1930 in Sylhet, then part of Assam Province under British India, now located in Bangladesh.
5. Which college did Kamalendu Deb Krori serve as Principal?
He served as the Principal of Cotton College, Guwahati, from 1987 to 1991.
6. What are the major books written by Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori?
His notable books include Fundamentals of Special and General Relativity, Principles of Non-Relativistic and Relativistic Quantum Mechanics, and Advanced Heat and Thermodynamics.
7. Which awards has Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori received?
He has received the Assam Sourav, National Teacher Award, Dr. H. C. Bhuyan Award, Baidya Roychoudhury Award, Academic Physics Award, and several other honours.
8. How many PhD scholars did Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori guide?
He supervised 16 PhD scholars during his academic career.
9. What was Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori's contribution to neutrino physics?
In 1982, he theoretically demonstrated that neutrinos should possess a small rest mass, a prediction later confirmed through experimental observations.
10. Why is Prof. Kamalendu Deb Krori important to Assam?
He is regarded as one of Assam's greatest physicists for pioneering theoretical physics research, mentoring generations of scholars, and strengthening scientific education in the state.
