Institutions that built India: Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), one of India’s foremost scientific research institutions, was born out of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata’s belief in the transformative role of scientific research and higher education for national progress. In 1890, Tata, with his immense wealth and vision for India’s future, decided to establish a top-tier university focused on scientific research. His vision was supported by Mysore State’s Regent Queen, Maharani Kempananjammani Vani Vilasa Sannidhana, who contributed land and funding. Tata’s passing in 1904 left the project in limbo for several years, but in 1909, the Indian government passed a resolution to establish the institute in Bangalore.

Under the leadership of its first director, chemist Morris Travers, IISc opened in 1911 with 24 students in two departments: General and Applied Chemistry, and Electrical Technology. Guided by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the Dewan of Mysore, IISc’s focus quickly shifted toward research that would address India’s unique needs. The institute began supporting the establishment of factories, including the Bangalore and Mysore soap and sandalwood oil factories. During World War II, IISc provided training, manufacturing, and aircraft repairs through Hindustan Aircraft Limited. The period also marked significant developments in engineering with the establishment of departments in Aeronautical Engineering, Metallurgy, and Mechanical Engineering.

In the decades that followed, IISc expanded both its research focus and its campus. Under the leadership of Satish Dhawan during the 1960s to 1980s, IISc grew into a global center for innovation, particularly in materials science, computer science, and molecular biophysics. During this period, new interdisciplinary centers were established, including the Centre for Theoretical Studies and the Centre for Sustainable Technologies (formerly ASTRA), both aimed at addressing rural India’s scientific needs. In the 21st century, IISc introduced an undergraduate programme and launched new centers focusing on cutting-edge fields such as brain research, nanoscience, and hypersonics. A 1500-acre campus in Challakere, Karnataka, further strengthens IISc’s mission and its ability to drive scientific research and industry collaboration.

Statue of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata

The inspiration behind IISc

The idea for IISc is said to have been inspired by a conversation that Jamsetji Tata had with Swami Vivekananda aboard a steamer on the way to North America from Japan in September 1893, where Tata discussed his vision of starting a research university. This encounter was later recounted in a letter Tata wrote to Vivekananda in November 1898.

This exchange helped seed a vision for an institution that would foster intellectual freedom, cutting-edge research, and societal benefit. Today, the institute’s legacy includes contributions to India’s nuclear and space programs, thanks to the involvement of prominent alumni like Homi J. Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, and C.N.R. Rao. These figures played pivotal roles in establishing India's scientific dominance on the global stage, further solidifying IISc’s position as a cornerstone of national progress.

Mahatma Gandhi at IISc

Notably, Mahatma Gandhi visited IISc on two occasions to advocate for research aligned with social needs. Gandhi emphasized that scientific progress should be directed toward addressing the challenges faced by India’s impoverished and marginalized populations, stressing the importance of socially responsible technology. At the same time, he warned about the dangers of technology contributing to unemployment and social disparity.

IISc has various departments offering postgraduate and research courses, in addition to a Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme and a BTech program in Mathematics and Computing. The departments at IISc include the Division of Biological Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Division of Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Science (EECS), Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Division of Mechanical Sciences, and Division of Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

JN Tata (left), his sons, Dorabji (centre, seated) and Ratanji (right, standing), 

and RD Tata – JRD Tata’s father

Directors who built IISc

IISc’s Directors have played critical roles in shaping the institution’s direction, each making significant contributions to its development across various disciplines. Below is a list of IISc’s Directors and their impact on the institution:

Morris Travers (1906-1914): The first Director of IISc, Travers established the key departments and oversaw the construction of the main building.

Alfred Bourne (1915-1921): Focused on strengthening basic sciences, particularly during the First World War, and expanded research and teaching at IISc.

Martin Onslow Forster (1922-1933): Initiated new courses and research programs, including improvements to campus infrastructure.

C.V. Raman (1933-1937): Nobel laureate, Raman served as IISc’s first Indian Director, advancing the Physics Department’s reputation.

J.C. Ghosh (1939-1948): Expanded the engineering focus, introducing departments in aeronautics, metallurgy, and power.

M.S. Thacker (1949-1955): Promoted engineering research at IISc and later became the Director-General of CSIR.

S. Bhagavantam (1957-1962): A renowned physicist who contributed to India’s defense capabilities post-directorship.

Satish Dhawan (1963-1981): Expanded IISc’s research infrastructure, creating new departments in fields like materials science and computer science. He also led ISRO during this period.

S. Ramaseshan (1981-1984): A crystallography expert, Ramaseshan was instrumental in enhancing the institute’s scientific journals and fostering its academic rigor.

C.N.R. Rao (1984-1994): A distinguished chemist who served as Director for a decade, Rao’s leadership earned him the Bharat Ratna for his contributions to science.

G. Padmanaban (1994-1998): A biochemist who served as Director and was later awarded Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. He remains associated with IISc.

Goverdhan Mehta (1998-2005): An organic chemist, Mehta focused on science policy and educational reforms at IISc.

P. Balaram (2005-2014): A biochemist who fostered interdisciplinary centers, including the Nano Science Engineering Department.

Anurag Kumar (2014-2020): An electrical engineer who served as Director, contributing to IISc’s long-term strategic goals.

Govindan Rangarajan (2020-present): A mathematician who has been with IISc since 1992, Rangarajan is currently guiding the institution through its next phase of growth.

The legacy of each Director is visible in the continuing evolution of IISc, which has continually adapted to the changing needs of India and the world. These leadership transitions have ensured that IISc remains at the cutting edge of research in a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Throughout its history, IISc has attracted numerous prominent visitors and guests. One of the most notable was Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the institute twice. His first visit, on July 12, 1927, was significant in shaping the direction of IISc’s research agenda. Gandhi encouraged the institution to prioritize the needs of society, particularly the poor and marginalized, while also ensuring that scientific progress was used in ways that would not harm the nation’s workforce.

Today, IISc stands as a beacon of academic excellence, scientific freedom, and societal benefit. With a rich history of contributions to India’s space, nuclear, and technological advancements, IISc continues to be an institution of great national importance. By fostering a comprehensive research environment and nurturing strong ties with industry, IISc remains committed to solving global challenges while producing knowledge that benefits society.