THE HISTORY BEHIND THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE

THE HISTORY BEHIND THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE

 

Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata was once traveling to Germany. As he stood there, at the door of his First Class Cabin in the Steam liner, he noticed a lot of activity on the lower deck of the Ship.

On inquiring, he learned that a great Indian Saint, Sri. Swami Vivekananda, was on board the same ship. Out of genuine respect and curiosity, J.N. Tata decided to pay a visit to the great saint.

Swami Vivekananda had, of course, heard about the respected industrialist. As the conversation grew, J.N. Tata explained that he was on his way to Germany. I have with me sacks of soil from various parts of India. I am taking these samples of soil to Germany. I wish to know if Iron can be extracted profitably from any of these districts in India" said J.N. Tata to the Saint.............................

To which Swami Vivekananda replied, "Well, Sir, Even if these sacks contain Iron-rich soil, do you honestly believe that the Germans will tell you the TRUTH? You must understand that none of the European Nations wish to see a Strong / Steel-Rich / Economically Independent India. The soil is probably rich in Iron-ore, but the sad truth is all you will get from your inquiries across Europe is Disbelief and Pessimistic reactions."

Needless to say, having interacted with several Europeans J.N. Tata knew this to be true. Swami Vivekananda continued, "Why don't you start an excellent, up-to-date Research Facility and College here in India? Why don't you train some good Indian youngsters to identify soil and conduct these tests and find ways of profitably extracting metals? It may seem like a wasteful, burdensome expenditure right now, but in the long run, it will save you many trips to Europe and you can have the assurance of knowing the Truth quickly - rather than taking multiple opinions due to Doubt".

As he could clearly sense J.N. Tata's mood was in acquiescence, he further elaborated, "Seek an audience with the Maharaja of Mysore H.R.H. Wodeyar. Though a subordinate of the British, he will definitely help you in every way he can. H.R.H. Wodeyar has been generous enough to sponsor my own trip to Chicago to attend the Parliament of Religions".

 

As soon as he returned to India, J.N. Tata headed straight for Mysore. And indeed, H.R.H. Chamraja Wodeyar did Not disappoint him at all. The King immediately granted 371 acres of land and other facilities for the setting up of the Research Facility and College that J.N. Tata had envisioned and it was named,   THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE.........I I Sc......in Bangalore, Also known to be Tata Institute.

The constitution of the Institute was approved by the Viceroy, Lord. MINTO and the necessary vesting order  to enable it to function was signed on 27th May,1909 and early in 1911 Maharaja of Mysore laid the foundation stone of the Institute. On 24th July, the first batch of students were admitted in the department of  General and Applied Chemistry under Mr. Norman Rudolf and Electro Technology.... under Mr. Alfred Hay, followed  by this Department of  Organic Chemistry was opened.  In the year 1956,With the establishment of the University Grant Commission, the Institute came under the purview of DEEMED UNIVERSITY.At the time of the inception of IISc in 1909, Morris Travers, co-worker of Sir William Ramsay in the discovery of  the noble  gases became IISC's First Director. For Travers this was a natural continuation of his work in the Institute since he had played  a role in its founding. The First Indian Director of the Indian Institute of Science was none other than the great science based Nobel Laureate Sir C.V.RAMAN. The IISc was the first institute to introduce Master's program in Engineering and has also started integrated Ph D program in Biological, Chemical, Physics and mathematical sciences for Science graduates. A Great institute of the world came into being as a result of three GREAT VISIONARIES of the GREAT INDIA.............J.N. Tata........Swami Vivekananda......&......H.R.H. Chamraja Wodeyar.................Let's pay our Reverence and Respects to these great souls.

Compiled and Edited By.....................

J.KANNAN, M.Com, FIATA

"WE DON'T THINK TO BREATHE

 WE BREATHE TO THINK"