Significant Landmark

The Indian National Academy is the apex body of the Indian scientists representing all branches of science & technology. Its objectives encompass promotion of science in India including its application to national welfare, safeguarding the interests of the scientists, establishing linkages with international bodies to foster collaboration and expressing considered opinion on national issues. The Academy was established on 7th January 1935, as the National Institute Of Sciences Of India, in Calcutta, in the premises of the Asiatic Society with Sir Lewis Fermor as the founder President (1935-36).Prof. Meghnad Saha was elected as the first Indian President (1937-38). In October 1945, the then Govt. Of India recognized the institute as the premier scientific society of India, representing all branches of science. The headquarters was shifted to the campus of University of Delhi in May 1946.

SIGNIFICANT LANDMARKS
The Indian National Academy is the apex body of the Indian scientists representing all branches of science & technology. Its objectives encompass promotion of science in India including its application to national welfare, safeguarding the interests of the scientists, establishing linkages with international bodies to foster collaboration and expressing considered opinion on national issues. The Academy was established on 7th January 1935, as the National Institute Of Sciences Of India, in Calcutta, in the premises of the Asiatic Society with Sir Lewis Fermor as the founder President (1935-36).Prof. Meghnad Saha was elected as the first Indian President (1937-38). In October 1945, the then Govt. Of India recognized the institute as the premier scientific society of India, representing all branches of science. The headquarters was shifted to the campus of University of Delhi in May 1946.

Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru with Albert Einstein

After India Attained independence, the present site on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg was selected in New Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister, laid the foundation stone of the building on 19th April 1948. The building was completed in 1951. A milestone was the designation of the institute as the adheringorganisation in India to the International Council Of Scientific Unions (ICSU) on behalf of the Govt. Of India in January 1968. The Institute was renamed as Indian National Science Academy in 1970.
Silver Jubilee
The Academy celebrated its Silver Jubilee from 30 December 1960 to 1 January 1961. This event, inaugurated by Humayun Kabir, the then Minister for Scientific Research and Cultural Affairs was also addressed by Jawaharlal Nehru, who attended the function as a fellow. Two seminars, one on “Advancing Frontiers Of Life Sciences” and the other on “Particle Physics”, were the highlights of the Jubilee.

Golden Jubilee

Mrs. Indira Gandhi with Dr. B P Pal
Completion of 50 years of the Academy was observed in the form of a series of functions during the year 1984-85. The celebrations were inaugurated on 16th January 1984 at Vigyan Bhawan by the Late Prime Minister Of India, Indira Gandhi (who was elected a fellow later the same year) in the presence of large gathering comprising eminent scientists and men of letters from this subcontinent and abroad. Special lectures & presentations (including the Fifth Blackett Memorial Lecture by Sir Andrew Huxley, President Of Royal Society, London) by distinguished visiting and national scientists, were organised as part of the inaugural function of the Golden  Jubilee. The Prime Minister presented special mementos to past presidents and Foundation Fellows of the Academy and invitees from abroad. 
Diamond Jubilee
The Diamond Jubilee of the Academy was celebrated during the year 1994-95 with a no. of activities. These included National and International seminars , preparation of status reports on major issues concerning science and compilation of special publications. The highlight of golden jubilee was a memorable function at Vigyan Bhawan on 7th January 1995 with the President Of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, as the chief guest. The Department of Posts issued a Commemoration Stamp and First Day Cover, and these were released by the President of India. On this occasion, 16 special publications of the academy were also released by him. The concluding ceremony was followed by International Discussion meetings on (i) New Global Order: Role Of Science & Technology; (ii) Funding Of Science & Technology: Research & Education. An International Seminar was also convened on “Sustainable Management Of Natural Resources”, in which a large number of fellows & overseas scientists participated.

The Honourable President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, graciously declared open the Jubilee Centre of the Indian National Science Academy on 31st Dec 1996. In his address, he exhorted that as the nation moves into its 50th year of independence and prepares to step into the next century, it is essential to adapt our scientific policy & endeavors to changing global realities. On this occasion, souvenirs were presented to the past presidents of the academy and representatives of the organization associated with the construction of the Jubilee Centre.

Platinum Jubilee
To mark the Seventy fifth year, yearlong scientific events were carried out in 2009. Dr Manmohan Singh, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Platinum Jubilee celebrations on January 10, 2009 at a glittering function organized at IIT Delhi. Dr Manmohan Singh highlighted the role played by the Academy as an apex body, advising the government and the country on issues relating to the development of science and technology. He hoped that the Academy will be able to chart new pathways and play its part in transforming India into one of the world’s leading powers and a truly equitable, knowledge society to fulfill the potential of its youthful, aspiring population.

The Inaugural function was followed by a two-day event consisting of special lectures and a mini-symposium on Indian Science and the Global Context. A series of publications were brought to mark this occasion and Fellows of the Academy organized seminars in various parts of the country.

The celebration was concluded during a four-day long (December 7-10, 2009) scientific event which was inaugurated by the President of India, Smt Pratibha Patil who also released a special publication on life and works of Fellows of the Academy. Besides Fellows, over 500 scientists representing sister academies and other cooperating bodies participated in this event.