From J. N. Tata to Swami Vivekananda

Dear Swami Vivekanand,

I trust you remember me as a fellow-traveller in your voyage from Japan to Chicago [in 1893]. I very much recall at this moment your views on the growth of the ascetic spirit in India and the duty, not of destroying, but of diverting it into useful channels. I recall these ideas in connection with my scheme of a Research Institute for India, of which you have doubtless heard or read.

Open day 2011 at IISc

The Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore will be celebrating National Science Day with a showcase of ongoing research and development. Like last year, OPEN DAY 2011 will be a campus-wide event where one may visit exhibits put up at each department. Unlike last year however, Open Day 2011 will be a two day event, which should be sufficient time to view the exhibits at all the departments.

Republic Day adress at IISc

Prof. Balram, Director of the Indian Institute of Science, addresses the gathering at the flag hoisting ceremony on Republic Day. One line that I found especially memorable, is quoted below.

".. (looking at the main building) I have not known any academic institution celebrating national holidays in such historic, inspiring surroundings... Jamshed Tata, whose statue you see behind me, was a man who dreamt about the future of India... When you walk in front of this building you should take a moment to think about India's past, reflect about it's present and may be dream about it's future ..."

--Prof. Balaram, Republic Day Speech, Jan 26, 2010.