Indian National Science Academy (INSA)

About Indian National Science Academy (INSA):

• The INSA was established in January 1935 with the object of promoting science in India and harnessing scientific knowledge for the cause of humanity and national welfare.
• The foundation of the Academy, earlier known as the National Institute of Sciences of India (NISI), was the outcome of joint endeavours of several organizations and individuals, and the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) playing a leading role in this regard.
• It was inaugurated on 7 January 1935 at Calcutta and functioned with its headquarters at Asiatic Society of Bengal till 1951 and thereafter shifted to Delhi.
• Objectives:
  • Promotion of scientific knowledge in India, including its practical application to problems of national welfare.
  • Coordination among Scientific Academies, Societies, Institutions, Government Scientific Departments, and Services.
  • To act as a body of scientists of eminence for the promotion and safeguarding of the interests of scientists in India and to present internationally the scientific work done in the country.
  • To act through properly constituted National Committees, in which other learned academies and societies may be associated, for undertaking scientific work of national and international importance which the Academy may be called upon to perform by the public and by the Government.
  • To publish such proceedings, journals, memoirs, and other publications as may be found desirable.
  • To promote and maintain liaison between Science and Humanities.
  • To secure and manage funds and endowments for the promotion of science.
  • To perform all other acts that may assist in, or be necessary for the fulfilment of, the above-mentioned objectives of the Academy.
• Acting as a link between the scientific community and planners, it advises the government on critical issues relating to science and technology.
• The academy also serves as a forum for interactions among scientists within and outside the country and recognizes outstanding young scientists,engineers, and technologiststhrough the award of medals/prizes and by providing modest financial support for pursuing research.
• Senior scientists are honoured through election to its Fellowship.
• The Academy has established exchange programmeswith different overseas academies to facilitate visits of Indian scientists to research institutions abroad and of foreign scientists to India for lectures/scientific discussions.
• It was designated as the adhering organization in India to the International Council for Science (ICSU) on behalf of the Government of India in January 1968.’

Q1: Who founded the Indian National Science Academy?

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).

Source: TH

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