Amiya Krishna Roy did BA (Hons) (1924) from University of Oxford, UK. He worked as Research Scientist, Rain and Cloud Physics Research Unit, National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi; Indian Meteorological Service: also Meteorologist (Pune), Regional Director (Kolkata) and Deputy Director-General of Observatories (Forecasting) at Pune, India Meteorological Department.

Academic and Research Achievements: Roy’s interests were mainly in meteorology, cloud physics and weather modification. He was one of the pioneer Indian meteorologists who attempted to give an explanation for the mechanism of the formation and intensification of tropical storms. He came up with the concept of air masses, which he used for analyzing pre-monsoon thunderstorm activity, cyclonic storms, etc. The first systematic studies on cloud physics and precipitation enhancement in India were started under Roy’s leadership at the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi. He categorized clouds mainly into two groups ‘warm’ and ‘cold’ and studied their characteristics for ascertaining the feasibility of stimulating rain from them by artificial methods. He carried out valuable theoretical work on droplet growth in cumulus, and contributed to nucleation physics to ascertain its significance in relation to rainfall. He published a technical note on Air Masses in India (1946), which became a reference work.

Other Contributions: Roy served on the WHO Commission for Meteorology. He was Member of the Aeronautical Society of India.

Awards and Honours: Roy was elected Fellow of the Indian Physical Society.