By:

Suhas B Naik-Satam

25 November 2025 at 2:24:38 pm

The Institution That Shaped Modern Indian Science

A journey from Mahendra Lal Sircar's vision to global scientific excellence. The year 2026 marks the sesquicentennial of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, the oldest institution in India devoted exclusively to fundamental scientific research. Founded on 29 July 1876 by the visionary physician and educationist Dr Mahendra Lal Sircar, IACS emerged when India lacked institutions dedicated to experimental science. Convinced that scientific inquiry was...

min read

The Institution That Shaped Modern Indian Science

A journey from Mahendra Lal Sircar's vision to global scientific excellence. The year 2026 marks the sesquicentennial of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, the oldest institution in India devoted exclusively to fundamental scientific research. Founded on 29 July 1876 by the visionary physician and educationist Dr Mahendra Lal Sircar, IACS emerged when India lacked institutions dedicated to experimental science. Convinced that scientific inquiry was indispensable for national progress, Sircar established an institution to nurture original research by Indians while promoting scientific knowledge among the public. One hundred and fifty years later, IACS remains one of India's foremost research institutions, its history closely intertwined with the evolution of modern science in the country. The genesis of IACS reflected the intellectual ferment of the Bengal Renaissance. Trained in Western medicine yet deeply committed to India's intellectual emancipation, Sircar argued that science should be cultivated through experimentation and discovery rather than merely imported through textbooks. Inspired by institutions such as the Royal Institution of Great Britain, he envisioned a publicly supported national laboratory where Indians could pursue independent scientific research. At a time when such opportunities were scarce under colonial rule, IACS became the country's first permanent home for fundamental scientific investigation. During its early decades, the Association combined public lectures and scientific demonstrations with laboratory research, fostering an interdisciplinary culture spanning physics, chemistry and the natural sciences. Though modest in resources, it established an enduring tradition of curiosity-driven research. The defining chapter in IACS history began with the arrival of Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman in 1907. While serving in the Indian Finance Department, Raman spent his evenings and holidays conducting experiments at IACS on acoustics, optics and the scattering of light. On 28 February 1928, he and his collaborators announced the discovery of the inelastic scattering of light by molecules—the Raman Effect—creating a powerful spectroscopic technique that transformed the study of molecular structure. Today, Raman spectroscopy is indispensable across chemistry, materials science, biology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring and planetary exploration. For this achievement, Raman received the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics, becoming the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize in the sciences for work conducted entirely in India. His success demonstrated that world-class scientific research could emerge from Indian laboratories. Yet IACS's scientific legacy extends far beyond Raman. Kedareswar Banerjee advanced crystallographic research through pioneering X-ray crystallography, while Satyendra Nath Bose's association with IACS enriched the intellectual environment that fostered advances in quantum physics. Meghnad Saha's theory of thermal ionisation transformed astrophysics, and together Raman, Bose and Saha established Kolkata as one of Asia's leading scientific centres. The institution also made major contributions to chemistry through Jnan Chandra Ghosh, whose work in physical chemistry laid foundations for modern chemical research in India. Following Independence, IACS expanded into chemical sciences, materials science, biological sciences and theoretical physics, reflecting the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of scientific inquiry. Among its distinguished scientists was Asima Chatterjee, whose pioneering research on natural products chemistry and medicinal plant alkaloids transformed phytochemistry and contributed significantly to pharmaceutical science. Ajoy Ghatak further strengthened IACS's reputation through his work in fibre optics, waveguides and laser physics, while his textbooks educated generations of physicists and engineers. More recently, IACS researchers have advanced ultrafast spectroscopy, nanomaterials, renewable energy, molecular electronics, quantum materials and computational biology. Today, IACS functions as a deemed-to-be university under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Its interdisciplinary research spans the chemical, physical and biological sciences, supported by advanced facilities in spectroscopy, microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, computational modelling and materials characterisation. Its doctoral and postdoctoral programmes continue to produce scientists who contribute to universities, research laboratories and industry worldwide. The institution's enduring strength lies in its commitment to curiosity-driven research. Unlike organisations established primarily for technological development or industrial applications, IACS has consistently recognised that transformative innovation begins with fundamental scientific understanding. This philosophy, articulated by Mahendra Lal Sircar nearly 150 years ago, remains especially relevant in an era defined by quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy and molecular medicine. The sesquicentennial of IACS celebrates not only a remarkable institution but also the evolution of Indian science. From its modest beginnings in colonial Calcutta to its emergence as an internationally respected research institution, IACS has nurtured Nobel laureates, pioneering physicists, eminent chemists and generations of young researchers who continue to expand the frontiers of knowledge. As IACS enters its second century and a half, it carries forward Mahendra Lal Sircar's vision that science should be pursued with intellectual freedom, experimental rigour and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of humanity. Its 150-year legacy remains a powerful reminder that the greatest scientific discoveries begin with curiosity and flourish in institutions dedicated to excellence. (The writer is the Chief Executive for National Centre for Science Communicators, Mumbai. Views personal.)

Women and Wealth: Why Financial Independence Is No Longer Optional

Sayli Gadakh
Feb 24
3 min read

When women grow financially, families grow stronger — and so does the nation.

As a chartered accountant, I have worked with families across income groups and professions. One reality stands out — women today are more educated and capable than ever. They manage homes, raise children and contribute to businesses, yet financial decisions in many households remain male-dominated.

In an era of equal partnership, financial independence for women is not about competition but security and dignity. A financially informed woman strengthens her family and, if life takes an unexpected turn, can confidently raise and educate her children. That is the true essence of women’s empowerment.

Financial Participation

India has made strong gains in women’s education. Female literacy has crossed 74 per cent, and young women are entering fields once out of reach. Yet this progress is not mirrored in financial participation. Female labour force participation remains between 32 per cent and 37 per cent, well below the global average of nearly 49 per cent.

Even among earning women, many are not involved in investments, tax planning or long-term decisions.

There are encouraging signs, however. Women’s participation in stock market investing has crossed 24 per cent, touching nearly 28 per cent in some states. Financial awareness is rising — a shift that is both social and economic.

The financial landscape has changed in the past decade. Rising inflation, higher healthcare and education costs, and evolving tax rules have made planning more complex.

In this environment, financial independence for women is no longer optional. Economic uncertainty — job losses, medical emergencies or business setbacks — can affect any family. A financially aware woman can manage crises calmly and make sound decisions.

Women’s longer life expectancy also means longer retirements and a greater need for independent savings. Without planning, later-life dependence becomes a risk.

As living costs rise, relying on one person’s financial knowledge increases vulnerability. When both partners are informed, families are more secure.

Legal awareness matters too. Missing nominations, unclear ownership and tax gaps create avoidable stress. Financial literacy helps prevent such complications.

Untapped Economic Power of Women

Economists note that higher women’s workforce participation could significantly boost India’s GDP and drive long-term growth. India aims to raise female labour force participation to 55 per cent by 2030.

Financially empowered women build secure households and contribute directly to national development.

Financial Gaps

Across income levels, certain gaps are common:

· No emergency fund

· Overreliance on savings accounts that lose value to inflation

· Inadequate term and health insurance

· No structured retirement plan

· Investments without regular review

· Limited awareness of tax benefits

These are not income issues but gaps in planning and discipline.

Small Steps

Financial independence does not require a high salary. It begins with simple, consistent actions:

Build an emergency fund covering at least six months of expenses.
Start SIPs for long-term wealth creation.
Take adequate health and life insurance.
Keep nominations and documents updated.
File income tax returns regularly, even below the taxable limit.
Review financial goals annually.

Consistency matters more than the amount invested.

Partnership

The role of women in Indian families has evolved. Today, a woman not only manages the home but also contributes to income and shapes her children’s future.

Financial awareness ensures that:

• She supports family goals with confidence.

• She makes informed, independent decisions.

• She secures her children’s future, even in adversity.

This is not just financial independence — it is family stability and social progress.

Guidance

Seeking advice from a chartered accountant or financial advisor is wise. Professional guidance helps structure investments, optimise taxes and align plans with long-term goals. However, awareness must remain with the individual — no financial document should be signed without full understanding.

Strong Women

Women today are professionals, entrepreneurs, homemakers and leaders. Their financial participation must match their contribution at home and in the economy.

Financial independence provides:

• Security in uncertain times

• Confidence in decisions

• Dignity at every stage of life

Most importantly, it ensures a woman is never helpless. She can stand strong for herself and her family.

In today’s economy, financial literacy for women is essential. When women grow financially, families grow stronger — and so does the nation.

(The writer is a Chartered Accountant based in Thane. Views personal.)

1 Comment

foweh69528

Mar 03

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