In
this new revised edition, we have added a few more biographies and
included a
list of books for further reading.
All the
material herein is from published sources. Needless to add, the list is not complete. We have only chosen
those
scientists who have been instrumental
in
building up the vast and rich scientific culture of modern India. All those chosen here have contributed
immensely
to science. Almost all have been great institution builders. With a few
exceptions, all chose to remain and do their work in India.
The compelling factor
for the
choice of these few, from among the many in the country, is the time
and
circumstances under which they worked. Their achievements are nothing
short of
heroic. With no infrastructure and with little support from the
Government of
the day, they have built up world class scientific institutions and a
scientific heritage we can be proud of. The institutions they built
still stand
proud and are rated highly by the scientific community here and abroad.
The
purpose of bringing out such a booklet is to inform and, of course, inspire you - the student. While
well-researched,
comprehensive biographies of all
these
scientific personalities are available, they are not always accessible to
the student. We hope that you enjoy reading the booklet, as much as we
enjoyed
preparing it for you.
We sincerely hope
that one day
your name will figure in such a booklet. Please
tell us your impressions of this booklet.
Science Popularisation and Public Outreach
Committee
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
November 2004