Rama did his BSc (Hons) (1949) and MSc (1950) in Physics from the Punjab University and obtained the PhD (1962) from Bombay University. His specialization was in Earth Sciences. He joined Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Bombay as a Research Student and superannuated as Professor in the Hydrology Group at TIFR.

Academic and Research Achievements: Professor Rama demonstrated a rare ability to critically look at some of the basic problems in earth sciences be they atmospheric, hydrological, geological or Oceanographic and come up with solutions based on simple experiments that can easily be carried out with indigeneous effort in this country. Noted example are Th-234/U-238, Pb-210 and Fe-55 measurements in seawater as an index for understanding particulate dynamics, use of cosmogenic and radon daughter products to study atmospheric processes, using radon to trace the Indian monsoon and for studying nano-pores and micro fractures in rocks, use of environmental and artificial tritium to determine groundwater recharge rates and developing a simple and rapid technique to measure Ra-224 (half life = 3.65 d) which is of considerable importance in understanding very rapid coastal oceanic processes. He detected a suite of short lived Cosmic Ray (CR) produced radioactive isotopes in rainwater and in rocks. He then applied the CR produced isotopes alongwith radon daughter products to understand some of the exchange and mixing process in the atmosphere. He has produced the first comprehensive k-Ar dates for Deccan and Rajmahal traps of India. He conceived (and carrying out a small scale project, proved the validity) of the proposition of using the aquifers connected to the seasonal streams for storing surplus flood waters of these streams, provided the aquifers are drawn down adequately before hand.