Page 106 - CTB-1 10 May

106 PIONEERING A NEW FUTURE
The National Academy of Sciences, India
felicitating Prof. Manju Sharma
The First World War and the world-wide economic depression had caused a huge setback to scientific research globally. However, the post World War India
saw the rise of the freedom movement, which drew attention to India’s numerous problems, like poverty, hunger, diseases, recurrent floods, droughts and famines. It was in this background that the idea of establishing a forum for scientists was mooted by Prof. Meghnad Saha, a great scientist, and the then Professor of Physics
at Allahabad University in 1929. His views were published in December 1929 issue
of the Allahabad University magazine
in an article entitled 'A Plea for an Academy of Sciences'.
The National Academy of Sciences,
India (NASI) was founded in the year 1930,
with the objectives to provide a national forum
for the publication of research work carried out by Indian scientists and to provide opportunities for exchange of views among them.
The rules and regulations of the academy were based on those of the Royal Society of England and the Asiatic Society of Bengal. These have since been revised and updated to meet the emerging challenges. Prof. Meghnad Saha was elected its first President.
The academy is financially supported by the Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India and it is also recognized as the Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) by the DSIR, as well as by the University Grants Commission as a premier scientific body.
MILESTONES
Silver Jubilee Session: Prof. Meghnad Saha addressed the Siver Jubilee Session
at University of Lucknow on 26-28 December 1955; Dr Sampurnanand,
educationalist, politician, and freedom
fighter, was the chief guest. In his address, Prof. Saha emphasized the role
of the academies in developing human scientific resources.
Golden Jubilee Session: Attended by eminent personalities including Indira Gandhi (Prime Minister of India), VP Singh (Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh), CPN Singh (Governor, Uttar Pradesh), Prof. S Nurul Hasan (VP, CSIR), Prof. MGK Menon (Secretary, DST), Prof. B Ramchandra Rao, Prof. UN Singh, Dr Hari Narain (President, NASI),
Prof. JP Thapliyal and Prof. NR Dhar, the Golden Jubilee Session was held from 23-27 October
Above: Prof. Murli Manohar Joshi
‘...The main function of the academy should be towards cultural improvement by contribution to human
knowledge.’
– Prof. Meghnad Saha, Founder President, NASI