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M.N. SAHA AND ALBERT EINSTEIN-AN INTERACTION

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M.N. SAHA AND ALBERT EINSTEIN – AN INTERACTION
RAJINDER SINGH*
The first time Meghnad Saha (1893-1956) met Einstein (1879-1955) personally in 1927. Their
communication began in the 1920s and lasted almost until the end of their lives. Saha-Einstein
correspondence was obtained. Result of analysis of the correspondence is given in the present
communication.
Introduction
I
t is a well-known fact that in 1918, M.N. Saha was
appointed as lecturer of Mathematical Physics at the
newly established University College of Science and
Technology, Calcutta. In 1919, Mr. Meghnad Saha, M.Sc.,
did D.Sc., and wrote thesis on “A Fundamental Law of
Electrical Action.”1 Shortly after that he became a known
person in the scientific community, as he derived a
mathematical expression which made it possible to calculate
the ionization energy for elements under known pressure
and temperature.2,3,4,5 In the first half of the twentieth
century M.N. Saha was the only Indian physicist to be
nominated more than three times for Physics Nobel Prize.6
M.N. Saha, like Sir J.C. Bose is one of the best known
scientists in Bengal. However, Saha’s impact in the
scientific and social circles in India is much more than
J.C. Bose’s. For this, reasons are many fold, such as, his
style to combine science with social and political aspects
and creation of a school of physics, which created
influential scientists like Daulat Singh Kothari, B.D. Nag
Chowdhury, P.K. Kichlu, N.K. Sur and R.C. Majumdar.
Not surprisingly, there are a number of books and articles,
which explore various aspects of his life.7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 To
the best of my knowledge, Einstein-Saha relation is not
explored in detail. The present short communication intends
to fill the gap.
* Research Group — Physics Education and History of Science,
Institute of Physics, University of Oldenburg, Germany. 26111
Oldenburg. E-mail: rajinder.singh@uni-oldenburg.de
VOL. 84, NOS. 9–10
ARTICLE
M.N. Saha, Einstein’s Light Quanta and
Theory of Relativity
In 1905, Albert Einstein15,16,17,18,19 proposed the
quantum nature of light.20 For that, he was ridiculed by
famous German physicists. For instance, in 1913 Max
Planck, Walther Nernst, Heinrich Rubens and Emil Warburg
while nominating him for the Membership of the Prussian
Royal Academy of Sciences, Berlin, wrote that “he may
sometimes have missed the target in his speculations, as
for example, in his hypothesis of light-quanta, cannot really
be held against him, for it is not possible to introduce really
new ideas even in the most exact sciences without
sometimes taking a risk.”21 In 1927, M. Planck stated that
the issue of the physical reality of the light quanta is not
yet settled.22 In contrast, Saha never questioned Einstein’s
light quanta (today known as photon).
Saha’s paper, “On Maxwell’s stresses” 23 was
communicated by D.N. Mallik - a physics professor at the
Presidency College Calcutta, who was appointed as Reader
in Physics at the University of Calcutta to deliver lectures
on optical theories. Later they were published in the form
of a book entitled: “Optical Theories.” In the monograph
he gave a review of the different light theories such as,
corpuscular, undulatory and electro-magnetic. In the
“Preface” he pointed out: “To the latest developments of
the optical theory including the theory of relativity, no
reference has been made here.”24 As we shall see below,
Saha’s early research work was related to these topics. This
would suggest that Saha’s early research was influenced
by Mallik.
293
 While Einstein was being criticised in Europe for the
light quanta, in India, in 1919 Saha successfully explained
the radiation pressure.25 Nearly at the same time, M.N. Saha
and S.N. Bose translated Einstein’s and H. Minkowski
articles and publish: “The Principle of Relativity: Original
Papers by A. Einstein and H. Minkowski.” Therein, Saha
gave his views about Einstein as follows:
“… to the serious student of science, he [Einstein]
has been known from the beginning of the current
century, and many dark problems in physics had
been illuminated with the lustre of his genius, before,
owing to the latest sensation just mentioned
[experimental verification of the theory of relativity],
he flashes out before public imagination as a
scientific star of the first magnitude.”26
To end up this session, it is worth to mention that
Einstein’s letter of January 26, 1920, written to D.M. Bose
shows that, the latter played an important role in the
publication of the book. Also Einstein’s communication
with him shows that after the European publisher protested
against the selling of book in Europe, via D.M. Bose,
Einstein communicated with the VC of the University of
Calcutta.27
Saha in Berlin
In 1919, Syndicate of the University of Calcutta,
appointed a committee which recommended four candidates
for Guruprasanna Ghosh Fellowship. Saha was one of them.
In a meeting it was resolved that the scholarship be given
to all candidates under usual conditions28. According to
the Minutes of the University of Calcutta, Dr. M.N. Saha
D.Sc. intends to specialize “‘Radiation’ – with special
reference to emission of light from metallic filaments and
practical problems of economic illumination – in the
Laboratory of Professor [Heinrich] Rubens of Berlin, failing
that, in the Meudon Laboratory, Paris, under Professor
[Henri-Alexandre] Deslandres or in the Imperial College
of Science and Technology, London, under Prof. [R.J.]
Strutt and [Albert] Fowler.”29 Why Saha did not go to
Berlin and France? This needs further research. In London,
at the advice of his friend Snehamoy Dutta he met Prof.
A. Fowler. After working for a few months there, Fowler
advised him to seek permission from Professor W. Nernst
for working in his laboratory in Berlin.30 Nernst was known
for the formulation of the third law of thermodynamics,
which made it possible to calculate chemical equilibrium
on the basis of the heat exchange. In 1920, Chemistry
Nobel Prize was reserved, and in 1921 awarded to W.
294
Nernst for his work on thermochemistry. He was Rector
of Berlin University for 1921-1922.
On May 11, 1921, the educationist and jurist, Sir
Asutosh Mookerjee (also written as Mukherjee or
Mukerjee) wrote to Saha: “I trust that you will utilise to
the fullest your great opportunity of your association with
Professor Nernst. I have read his published papers and
realise his eminence as a physical chemist.” Then he came
out with an offer to Saha to utilize his talent in full. “I am
now endeavouring to provide for you an independent
position and a suitable Laboratory when you return here
and I have little doubt that my efforts will be successful. I
do not think that you will have to regret your decision to
stay in your own University rather than accept and
appointment elsewhere.” In spite of the financial difficulties
and public criticism Mookerjee faced during that time he
was willing to help Saha and asked: “Can you give me a
rough estimate of what you require for the purchase of
appliances in Germany, so that I may make an effort to
raise some money?” (Mookerjee A. to Saha M.N., May
11, 1921).
In the next letter of June 30, 1921, Saha was informed
about the newly created Ghosh Professorship with a salary
of Rs. 500 a month. “The Chair will give you an
independent position and freedom of work”, wrote
Mookerjee. He wanted to know from Saha, whether he
would agree to accept the Chair for 3, 5 or 7 years. Also,
he was asked to send the list of his publications.
On Aug. 20, 1921, Saha in a telegram informed Sir
A. Mookerjee, that he is going to accept the position. Saha
was more interested in telling about his scientific
achievements, such as, the publication of his work in the
“Zeitschrift für Physik” and announcement of his work
either by him or Nernst, in a forthcoming meeting of the
German Physicists at Jena where he also had an invitation.
In the end Saha told that he would require £500 for
research work.
Saha’s letter of Aug. 20, 1921, is of utmost
importance, as it shows that in his young age, Saha was
interested to apply science for industrial purposes. The letter
in part reads: “I shall be able to organise a laboratory
where, besides works in this line, we can also take up
industrial works connected with high temperature (such as
ceramics, enamelling, and glass, and metallurgy).”
After giving some other details, he ended the letter
by telling that in the end of November (1921) he will reach
Calcutta.
SCIENCE AND CULTURE, SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018
Saha Asks Einstein for a Recommendation apparatus and there is no money to buy instruments. I spoke
Letter to a representative of a very rich Indian firm. As I am still
young and unknown in the country, he says to me that I
In the beginning of the 1914 Albert Einstein (Figure
should bring recommendation from a known physicist that
1) was appointed director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute
my work is good and useful; then he may give money to
of Physics. He lectured at the Berlin University from 1915
help me. Your name is world-wide known. A
to 1928/1929. It is very likely that Saha met Einstein during
recommendation from you may help”.
his stay in the beginning of the 1920s, while he worked in
Nernst’s Laboratory. The beginning of the 1920s was a The last three lines of the letter are of utmost interest
turbulent time for Einstein. Walther Rathenau, Germany’s from moral point of view. “I ask you a very delicate
Foreign Minister, who was one of Einstein’s close friends, request, and if such expressions of opinion oppose your
was gunned down by anti-Semitic right wing extremist and principle, you are free to refuse them” (Figure 2).
there was reason to believe that Einstein’s life was at risk.31
To be on the safe side he decided to accept invitations
from abroad. For instance, from April 2, to May 30, 1921,
he was at the University of Princeton, U.S.A, to deliver
lectures on the theory of relativity.
In June he came back to England and delivered
lectures in Manchester and London.32

Figure 2: A part of Saha’s letter to A. Einstein. Credit: A. Einstein

Archive, Princeton.

Who was the mysterious man mentioned in Saha’s

letter? This is revealed in Saha’s letter of Dec. 2, 1922, to
Mookerjee; which was written after the former came to
know that the University of Calcutta is unable to help him
financially. The letter in part reads:
“I may be allowed to add that during my stay in
Germany, I was invited by Professor A. Sommerfeld
of Munich to address the physicists there on my
work. My visit happened to coincide with that of
our poet, Dr. Rabindranath Tagore who was
accompanied by Mr. S.R. Bomanjee, the well-known
millionaire of Bombay. Professor Sommerfeld paid
Figure 1: Albert Einstein. Credit: “Science and Culture”, Kolkata.
a visit to the poet, and spoke appreciatively of my
On Aug. 26, 1921, from “Berlin, Wallenweber Str. contributions to Physics in the presence of Mr.
12, C/o Schmidt”, Saha wrote a letter to Einstein in German Bomanjee. I have thus been already introduced to
language. According to the translated summary: “The that gentleman. … I suggest that Mr. Bomanjee, who
conviction that you took warm part in my scientific work is well known for his philanthropic activities, may
encourages me to make you a request. The fundamentals be approached for a substantial contribution towards
of my theory might be known to you. In Nernst laboratory the funds of the Science College so that I may be
I have experimentally proved the theory. There is no doubt enabled to buy up apparatus and build up my
the gases can be ionised by heat, as predicted by my theory. laboratory.”
In order to prove it quantitatively the research needs to be
Saha was unable to buy apparatus to continue his
continued. Unfortunately, before December I have to return
research, in spite of the fact that his mentor was willing to
back to India. Regrettably, at my institute there is lack of
support; but the University was in bad financial condition.

VOL. 84, NOS. 9–10 295

In the same letter Saha lamented: “The importance of my
scientific work has now been recognised all over Europe
and America”. In a private letter, Prof. Einstein expressed
the opinion, that ‘in the interest of science, I ought to be
helped in carrying out my investigations.’” According to
the letter, Saha also sent a copy of an article written by
Sir. P.C. Ray in “The Modern Review”; in which Ray had
emphasized the importance of Saha’s work.
In 1922, from the Khaira Fund, 180 Pounds were
sanctioned to Saha for purchasing equipment.33 There was
no sign of promised “laboratory” and “500 pounds” as Saha
mentioned in his letter to A. Mookerjee.
January 1923, issue of The Modern Review reported
that the “Government of India ceased helping Calcutta
University”, because the created Chairs such as Palit, are Figure 3: Cartoon published by „The Modern Review“ with the caption:
“Administering Freedomogen Gas.” Credit: The Modern Review, Calcutta.
only for Indians. Asutosh Mookerjee, who tried to provoke
Bengali sentiments to keep the University going on, was University of Calcutta.34 In the long run it was a better
attacked by the local media. Under the title “We shall decision for him and his country.
starve” it published in part, a speech delivered at a Meeting
In Allahabad, he received not only better salary, but
of the Senate, where he had suggested to refuse
also international recognition such as Fellowship of the
Government grant under certain conditions. He was
Royal Society of London (Figure 4); and nomination for
reported to have said: the Physics Nobel Prize; for his work done at the University
“You give me slavery in one hand and money in of Calcutta.
the other. I despise the offer. I will not take the
money. We shall retrench and we shall live within Saha Invites Einstein to Calcutta
our means. We shall starve. We shall go from door In 1921 Albert Einstein was elected as Foreign Fellow
to door all through Bengal. We shall ask the post- of the Royal Society of London35; and was awarded the
graduate teachers to starve themselves, to starve their Physics Nobel Prize “for his services to Theoretical Physics,
families, but keep their independence. That is what and especially for his discovery of the law of the
I intend to do.” photoelectric effect and not for his best known work, that
is, the theory of relativity. In 1920, S. Arrhenius, one of
The author of the article published cartoon (Figure
the influential Members of the Nobel Committee doubted
3) and criticised Mookerjee with the following words:
the results of the British scientists, who proved the
“These words were quite heroic; but it is not descent to
correctness of Einstein’s theory of relativity. Arrhenius
tell other people to starve when there is no probability of
“claimed that the results of the British eclipse experiment
one’s own starvation. “Freedomogen” gas is not substitute
could not be admitted as evidence, as questions remained
for solid sustenance.”
on their degree of exactness.” Allvar Gullstrand, one of
In 1923, Saha asked for better salary (Rs. 600 per the most influential Member of the Swedish Science
month) and Rs. 15000 as personal
research grant. Meanwhile he had
received better offer from the
Banaras Hindu University which he
revealed to the Syndicate. The
Syndicate showed helplessness. Saha
resigned the Khaira Professorship to
join the University of Allahabad at
the scale of Rs. 800-50-1250.
Officially from Sept. 20, 1923, he
Figure 4: A part of Saha’s nomination certificate for the Fellowship of the Royal Society London.
was no longer an employee of the Credit: Royal Society London.

296 SCIENCE AND CULTURE, SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018

Academy evaluated Einstein’s work
and concluded that Einstein must
not receive the Prize. In fact: “No
member approved of relativity
theory or had been convinced that
the eclipse experiment had yielded
proof in its favour.” It was due to
the effort of young theoretical
physicist Carl W. Oseen, who had
nominated Einstein for the
discovery of the law of the
photoelectric effect and Einstein’s
popularity that in 1922, he was
awarded the reserved Nobel Prize Figure 6: Einstein Tower
from the year 1921.36 Einstein came Potsdam.”
to know about the award while he was on tour to Japan.
Here, readers are suggested to consult the book by A.
Elzinga, who shows - How some of the Members of the
Nobel Committee protested against awarding the Nobel
Prize to Einstein; and Einstein never delivered the “Nobel
Lecture” at the Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm,
as demanded by rules and regulations of the Nobel
Foundation.37
In the late 1922 and early 1923 Einstein made a tour
for about 6 months to Japan, Palestine and Spain. He
delivered lectures in Japan.38 As the Japanese had invited
Einstein in September 1921; it is very likely that Saha was
aware of the above invitation. Einstein’s reply (Figure 5)
leaves no doubt about the invitation. “Unfortunately, it is
impossible for me to come to Calcutta, as I have not
enough time. I request you to thank your Vice Chancellor
for the friendly invitation. I heartily greet you for life and
continuation of wonderful work. With friendly greetings.
Yours, A. Einstein. (Translated from German).
Figure 5: From Tokyo Einstein’s replied to M.N. Saha, letter dated 29.11.1922. Credit: A. Einstein
Archive, Princeton.
VOL. 84, NOS. 9–10
(1927-1928). Einstein Tower (2018). Credit: “Astro-Physical Institute,
Como Conference and Saha’s Second Visit to
Berlin
In the middle of 1920s Saha visited different
institutions and laboratories in Europe. The best document
showing his impression about different persons he met or
the Universities he visited is to be found in his personal
diary as well as in his correspondence with his students.
In 1927 Saha visited Germany. As Figure 8 shows, on July
21, 1927, he noted: “The Einstein-Turm” (‘Turm” means
Tower). For general readers it will be of interest to know
more about the “Einstein Tower”, which still exists and is
an astrophysical observatory.
Historically, it was constructed by the architect Erich
Mendelsohn. It was built to validate or disprove Albert
Einstein’s relativity theory. Einstein supported the
construction and operation of the telescope. While Einstein
was working on the special theory of relativity, experimental
physicists were asked to prove his theory. The first scientist
who followed his advise was Erwin Finlay Freundlich, who
worked closely with Einstein; and
the architect Erich Mendelsohn, who
later constructed the building. It was
demanded that the building must
have a particular structure to prove
the theory.
On Aug. 23, 1927, Saha noted
in his diary about his meeting with
A. Einstein. Therein we read that
Einstein asked Saha’s reason to visit
Europe. Saha replied that he came
to attend the Volta Conference. Saha
wanted to know from Einstein –
whether it is true that he also got the
invitation, but he did not wish to
297
enjoy the hospitality of Mussolini’s Government. Saha was
told that it is so. He added – “Mann muss” (that is, one
must do so).
Figure 7: Saha as a young scientist. The photograph was published in
the 30th issue of the journal “Voltiana” on Sept. 10, 1927. Credit:
“Voltiana”, Como. Italy.
In his diary Saha noted that he talked about recent
problems of physics. They began with the difficulty in the
mechanical comprehension of the famous experiments by
Otto Stern and Walther Gerlach. In the case of silver atoms,
they had shown the spatial orientation of angular
momentum is quantized.39,40,41 These experiments were
performed in 1921 and 1922. Partially the work was done
in Berlin; as is evident from acknowledgement, in which
A. Einstein, Director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute of
Physics, was thanked for the grant for the needed
electromagnets.
Saha wanted to know from Einstein: “How does the
magnetic atom place itself parallel and anti-parallel to the
field instantly?” Saha’s opinion was: “in their treatment,
they had considered the precessional motion of the orbit
of the electron. But now we suppose that the magnetism
arises from the rotation of the electron itself. So we must
consider the precessional motion of the electron itself. To
this we must be added a rotational motion. The frequency
of rotational oscillation is very small 10-18. owing to the
small moment of inertia of the electron.” Einstein replied:
“that it was quite difficult to see how the nutation came.
He did not believe that the problem could be solved with
classical method.”
Their second point of discussion was the problem of
the electron. Saha wanted to know from Einstein: “if he
298
had gone any further in his treatment of the electron
problem from the standpoint of the generalized theory of
relativity.” Einstein replied: “that he had thought of a much
simpler way. But everything is in ‘Kopf’ (means head) just
now, it must be written, anew. He hopes to publish it soon.
As Saha’s diary shows, already on July 5th, 1927, he
had met Prof. Niels Bohr in Copenhagen. They talked on
the newly developed wave-mechanics by Erwin
Schrödinger. Saha was told: “Schrödinger came to
Copenhagen and they had a tough fight with him. In the
end, the Copenhagen party acknowledged defeat.” Bohr was
more for W. Heisenberg’s quantum mechanics as it
explained all features of the He-problem and H2-bands.
In Berlin, Saha wanted to know Einstein’s views on
Schrödinger’s theory. Saha told that the theory seems to
be inadequate, “as Schrödinger finds the H-spectrum as a
singlet spectrum and not a doublet spectrum.” Einstein said:
“that was true, but Schrödinger had treated the electron as
a point-charge – the magnetic moment must be taken into
account. … The greatest difficulty in Schrödinger’s theory
is that the Hamilton-Jacobi equations do not determine the
motion of state and oscillation, but rather the probability
factor. In the individual cases, we come to probability
considerations, which is against the law of causality. The
Boltzmann Gibbs conception of statistical mechanics is not
mechanics at all, it is purely statistics. He however thinks
that there is certainly much in the Schrödinger theory as
the discrete energy values have come out quite clearly.”
After 1930, Saha established different institutions such
as ISNA, Indian Academies, Saha Institute of Nuclear
Physics. In fact this list is long. As he was unhappy with
the scientific policies of the Indian Government after
independence in 1947; he decided to involve in the politics;
and was successfully elected as Member of Parliament. In
spite of his differences with Prime Minister J. Nehru, they
were able to work together; whenever there was question
of national interests. The National Reformed Calendar is
one such example.
Saha, Einstein and Calendar Reform
In Nov. 1952, the Council of Scientific & Industrial
Research (CSIR) appointed a Calendar Reform Committee
under the chairmanship of M.N. Saha – Member of
Parliament and Secretary N.C. Lahiri from Calcutta. Its task
was to examine scientifically all existing calendars in India
and to submit proposals for a uniform calendar for the
whole of India. The report was submitted by the committee
in 1955. Accepting the recommendation of the committee
the Government of India decided for the Saka Calendar,
which was to be adopted for use with effect from 21 March
SCIENCE AND CULTURE, SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 2018
1956 A.D., i.e., 1 Chaitra 1878 Saka.42 Saha and Lahiri
also worked on the history of calendar in different
countries. This was published as a separate article by the
CSIR.43
In the report, Prime Minister J. Nehru, under the
“Message” wrote: “It is true that for governmental and
many other public purposes we follow the Gregorian
calendar, which is used in the greater part of the world.
The mere fact that it is largely used, makes it important. It
has many virtues, but even this has certain defects which
make it unsatisfactory for universal use.” Evidently he
supported the new proposed calendar. He was even
interested to apply the calendar for the whole world. For
this purpose the issue was brought to the U.N.O. Some of
the Jews were against India’s proposal. In the following
we shall see – why they protested and how Saha rebutted
and sought help from Einstein.
In Geneva, during June-July, 1954, due to the proposal
of the Government of India, the World Calendar Reform
became a subject of discussion at the eighteenth session
of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
(ECOSOC). M.N. Saha attended the meeting to explain
the desirability of the proposed reform. He showed that in
the improved calendar:
z “Every year is the same.
z The quarters are equal: each quarter has exactly
91 days, 13 weeks or 3 months; the four quarters
are identical in form.
z Each month has 26 weekdays, plus Sundays.
z Each year begins on Sunday, 1 January; each
working year begins on Monday, 2 January.
z Each quarter begins on Sunday, ends on Saturday.
z The calendar is stabilized and perpetual, by ending
the year with a 365th day that follows 30
December each year, called Worlds’ day dated “W”
or 31 December, a year-end world holiday. Leap-
year day is similarly added, at the end of the
second quarter, called Leap-year Day dated “W”
or 31 June, another world holiday in leap years.”44
On July 3, 1954, Saha, from Geneva, Switzerland sent
a letter to Einstein. The letter-pad used by Saha was from
“The World Calendar Association, International, New
York”. The document was written on behalf of himself and
his friends of “The World Calendar Association.” Saha told
that he was able to convince the majority of the
participants; with the exception of a few Jews.
VOL. 84, NOS. 9–10
At the first instance Saha told about the cause of the
proposal as follows:
“My country uses a great diversity of lunar-solar
calendars for religious and social purposes, which
cause great inconvenience, and are a bar to the
unification of the country. Prime Minister Nehru
appointed, about a year ago, a Calendar Reform
Committee, with myself as Chairman, to submit
proposals for a reformed calendar, applicable to the
whole or Hindu India, for guidance of Hindu
religious observance. While engaged in these labors,
my committee thought that the World Calendar plan,
as described above, with which I have been familiar
as a member of the World Calendar Association,
should be brought to the notice of my government.
Prime Minister Nehru at once realized the merits
of the World Calendar and placed it on the agenda
of the eighteenth session of the Economic and Social
Council, … I am glad to tell you that it has the
support of the majority of nations and many private
organizations” (M.N. Saha to A. Einstein, July 3,
1954).
Saha then came to the real cause for writing to
Einstein, namely, “Its passage through the General
Assembly of UNO would have been smooth, but for the
opposition of a small but determined group of Jewish
organizations who are opposing it on religious grounds,
alleging that it will interfere with the religious life of the
Jews” (Figure 8).
Saha further said that Israelite Members of the WCA
have told him that a very few Jews living outside Israel
will be influenced by such a decision. “Are the Jewish
organizations therefore justified in trying to veto a proposal
which will be for the good of all mankind? It appears to
us that the move is egoistical, anti-social, and injurious to
the Jewish people themselves.”
Saha sent a Hebrew booklet, which was written by
Daniel Sher, from Israel. Saha suggested that if he (A.E.)
wants he can contact Sher, who is ready to provide any
required information.
In the last paragraph Saha wrote: “If you believe that
our proposal is for the good of all mankind, uniting man
in his daily time-system, please encourage us by short
message or approval at your earliest convenience
(underlined in original). This will render the acceptance of
the measure by the United Nations later this month, when
it comes up for decision, far easier and more likely.”
299
 Conclusions
Without doubt, M.N. Saha was a
political scientist. His interaction with
Albert Einstein was based on mutual
respect and understanding. Unlike S.N.
Bose, Saha never saw Einstein as his
“Guru”.
Saha openly discussed scientific
issues with Einstein; as he was well-
informed about the on going research in
the world.
Saha’s Alma Mater made his early life
quite difficult. He was not given proper
Figure 8. A part of Saha’s article “A note on the origin of the continuous sevenday week”, in
which the arguments of some of the orthodox Jews are given. Credit: A. Einstein Archive, research facilities in spite of as a young
Princeton. scientist he made his name this known in
the world with his scientific work. The work was of such
Saha signed the letter as “M.N. Saha (Author of the
a high level that he was awarded the Fellowship of the
Theory of Thermal Ionisation)”. Under P.S. he wrote : “The
Royal Society London and nominated for the Physics Nobel
article on ‘Seven Day Week’ will follow in a day or two.”
Prize. Saha’s example suggests that often the bureaucratic
Saha sent 5 pages documents entitled “A Note on the rules and regulation at universities can be harmful; and
Origin of the Continuous Sevenday Week”, in which he force a good scientist to leave his working place.
rebutted the opposing Jewish organization. Saha’s frontal
attack was: From the above we also see that sometimes the
recommendation letter from a world renowned scientist can
“To a person living in the age of Darwin and be useless for money minded philanthropists or managing
Einstein, the very idea that the world was created authorities who have no understanding for scientific work.
five thousand seven hundred and odd years ago, on
the day of the autumnal equinox, seems somewhat Saha’s effort to establish a World Calendar was
preposterous. Neither does this date indicate any blocked by a few persons. This evidently shows that in
landmark in the history of the Jews, nor any other the so-called democratic institutions like U.N.O. democracy
great nation of ancient times.” has no meaning.

How Jews came to this date? Saha wrote that “The
era of Creation used by orthodox Jewry was invented by
medieval Rabbis when they tried to work out a chronology
of events recorded in the Bible.” Sarcastically he wrote:
“Fortunately for them, there was no (Charles) Darwin, or
Einstein living at that time.”
Saha wrote a letter to Einstein in 1954, the latter was
already 76 years old. In 1955, he died. However, it is very
unlikely that he did not support Saha’s proposal because
Einstein thoroughly supported his own religion. For
instance, in the 1920s, he “openly embraced the Zionist
cause to create a Jewish nation-state in Palestine. Although
Acknowledgements
Archivists, librarians and curators of the following
institutions are thanked for helping me in collecting
materials referred to in this paper: University of Calcutta;
and Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science,
Kolkata; J.N. Memorial Museum and Library Delhi and
A. Einstein archive, Princeton. S
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