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Dr. Mani L. Bhaumik: The Pioneer Behind the IEEE Jagadish Chandra Bose Medal in Wireless Communications

Bhaumik

by Tanya Steinhauser
Senior Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist, IEEE Awards

In the realm of wireless communications, innovation and excellence are paramount. The IEEE Jagadish Chandra Bose Medal in Wireless Communications, the newest of IEEE’s highest level award portfolio, will stand as a shining testament to those who have made remarkable contributions to this field. And behind this esteemed award lies a remarkable individual whose generosity and vision have paved the way for honoring the brightest minds in the wireless communications industry – IEEE Life Fellow, Dr. Mani Bhaumik.

“Wireless Communications holds a very special meaning not just for me but for all of humanity,” said Bhaumik. “Today, it is hard to imagine the functioning of our global technological society without this very essential element. From ubiquitous GPS guidance to billions of personal cell phones and the impending wireless internet soon to be available everywhere on our planet, the functioning of human life is unimaginable without wireless communication.”

The Story of a Visionary

A renowned physicist and philanthropist, Dr. Mani Bhaumik has long been a trailblazer in the world of science and technology. Born in a remote village in India, Bhaumik overcame immense odds to pursue his passion for knowledge. His journey took him from the fields of rural Bengal to the hallowed halls of academia in the United States, where he made groundbreaking discoveries in laser technology that revolutionized the field. Bhaumik became an IEEE Life Fellow in 1982 for contributions to the research and development of high-energy lasers and new laser systems.

A Gift that Inspires Innovation

Dr. Mani L. Bhaumik made a generous donation to the IEEE Foundation to establish the IEEE Jagadish Chandra Bose Medal in Wireless Communications. Named after the legendary Indian scientist who pioneered wireless communication, this medal, presented by the IEEE Board of Directors, aims to honor individuals who have made significant advancements in the field, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and inspiring future generations to innovate.

“J.C. Bose was the indisputable pioneer of millimeter wavelength technology almost a century ago, with a US patent to boot,” explains Bhaumik. “However, the pioneering work of this unsung hero has not received appropriate recognition. My humble effort in establishing the foundation to fund the IEEE Jagadish Chandra Bose Medal in Wireless Communications is a sincere attempt to epitomize his invaluable contribution.”

Dr. Bhaumik says that another motivation was that his own professor and mentor, S.N. Bose (known for developing the theory of Bose-Einstein statistics) happened to be one of J.C. Bose’s students.

Celebrating Excellence in Wireless Communications

The IEEE Jagadish Chandra Bose Medal in Wireless Communications serves as a beacon of excellence, recognizing those who have dedicated their careers to advancing the field. From groundbreaking research to innovative technologies, recipients of this prestigious award will embody the spirit of innovation and discovery that defines the world of wireless communications.

The first recipient of the award will be announced this December and the medal will be presented for the first time during the 2025 IEEE Honors Ceremony in Tokyo, Japan. 

Visit the IEEE Awards website to learn more. Or, if you are interested in following in Bhaumik’s footsteps, you too can donate to the IEEE Awards program.

Top Photo: Dr. Mani L. Bhaumik (left) received his IEEE Heritage Circle, Alessandro Volta Level, Honored Philanthropist, certificate from IEEE Past President Saifur Rahman (right).

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