Progress of Science in Post-independent India | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Foundations of Scientific Development in Post-Independence India:

• After gaining independence, India’s leaders recognized the need to invest in science and technology for holistic development. 
• Jawaharlal Nehru and other leaders believed that science and technology were essential for solving India’s problems, including hunger, poverty, sanitation, and illiteracy. 
• In a message to the Indian Science Congress in 1938, Nehru emphasized that only science could address these issues and make better use of India’s resources. 
• This belief was reflected in the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958, which recognized the importance of science and technology for India’s economic, social, and cultural progress. 
• Nehru also understood the vital role of scientific research and technology in ensuring India’s defense after 1947. 
• The vision for modern India included not just infrastructure like dams and plants, but also the establishment of institutions of higher learning, especially in the scientific field. 
• These institutions were crucial for producing skilled manpower, including scientists and engineers, necessary for public sector enterprises and the overall development of the country. 
• Building such a workforce was essential for self-reliance and the socio-economic transformation of India. 

Scientific Policy Resolution (1958)

1958 Science Policy:

• The first science policy in India, introduced in 1958, focused on basic research across various fields of science. 
• It also emphasized the need for developing and providing basic infrastructure necessary for scientific research. 

National Physical Laboratory (NPL):

• NPL was one of the earliest national laboratories established under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) to promote self-sustaining scientific and technological growth. 
• The foundation stone of NPL was laid by Jawaharlal Nehru on 4 January 1947, with Dr. K. S. Krishnan as its first Director. 
• NPL aims to strengthen and advance physics-based research and development for the overall progress of science and technology in India. 
• This initiative was followed by the establishment of a network of seventeen national laboratories during Nehru's tenure, each specializing in different research areas. 

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):

• CSIR was founded by the Government of India in September 1942 as an autonomous body and has become the largest research and development organization in India, focusing on various fields such as aerospace engineering, life sciences, metallurgy, and environmental science.
• In 1943, CSIR's governing body approved the establishment of five national laboratories proposed by Bhatnagar and supported by Prime Minister Nehru, including the National Chemical Laboratory and the National Physical Laboratory. 
• CSIR received additional funding in 1944 to establish these laboratories, with donations from the Tata Industrial House.
• The Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute in Kolkata was the first of the five laboratories to be established, followed by others, all completed by 1950.
• To highlight the importance of science, Nehru chaired the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, which guided and financed national laboratories and scientific institutions. 
• The Council's research programs focus on utilizing natural resources effectively and developing new processes and products for economic advancement. 
• CSIR now plays a leading role in fulfilling technology missions set by the government. 

Department of Scientific Research:

• The Department of Scientific Research was established under Nehru's government to promote and manage scientific research in the country. 

Indian Institutes of Technology

• Early Initiatives for Technical Training: After World War II, Sir Ardeshir Dalal recognized the importance of technology over capital for India’s future prosperity. He proposed the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and sought US doctoral fellowships to staff Indian laboratories. However, he realized that India needed to develop its own workforce and conceptualized training institutes. 
• Formation of Higher Technical Institutions: In 1946, a committee led by Nalini Ranjan Sarkar recommended establishing higher technical institutions in India, inspired by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 
• Establishment of IIT Kharagpur: The first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) was set up in May 1950 at the site of the Hijli Detention Camp in Kharagpur, West Bengal. The name “Indian Institute of Technology” was adopted before the formal inauguration in 1951. 
• Recognition and Expansion: IIT Kharagpur was declared an Institute of National Importance in 1956. Following this, four more IIT campuses were established in Bombay, Madras, Kanpur, and Delhi to ensure regional balance. 
• Further Developments: A sixth IIT was established in Guwahati due to student agitations in Assam. In 2001, the University of Roorkee was converted into IIT Roorkee. 
• Role of the University Grants Commission (UGC): The UGC was initially formed in 1945 to oversee central universities and was later extended to cover all Indian universities. It became a statutory body in 1956, and all grants to universities and higher learning institutions were handled by the UGC from 1952.
• Growth in Science and Technical Personnel: Due to Nehru’s efforts in higher learning, the number of science and technical personnel increased significantly from 180,000 in 1950 to 730,000 in 1965 . There was also a rise in undergraduate enrollment in engineering, technology, and agriculture during this period. 

Nuclear Energy: 

Background:

• India’s Early Interest in Nuclear Energy : India was quick to recognize the potential of nuclear energy after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. R.S. Krishnan, a nuclear physicist, highlighted the vast energy potential of uranium, suggesting it could lead to a significant industrial revolution if harnessed. 
• Formation of Research Committees : In March 1946, the Board of Scientific and Industrial Research (BSIR) set up an Atomic Research Committee under Homi J. Bhabha to explore and develop India’s atomic energy resources. 
• Early Research and Development : The University of Travancore also recognized the importance of thorium and its applications in atomic energy, leading to collaborations with the BSIR. 

Growth of Nuclear Program:

• Post-Independence Initiatives : After India’s independence, the Atomic Energy Bill was introduced in Parliament in 1948, granting the government extensive powers over nuclear research and mineral development. 
• Establishment of Key Institutions : The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was formed in 1948, with Bhabha as its chair, marking the beginning of organized nuclear research in India. The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research became the main center for nuclear science research. 
• Development of Nuclear Reactors : India’s first nuclear reactor, Apsara, became operational in 1956, followed by the CIRUS reactor in collaboration with Canada, which was completed in 1960. 
• Commercial Nuclear Power : The Tarapur Atomic Power Station, India’s first commercial nuclear power plant, began operations in 1969. It was built with the help of the United States, although the supply of enriched uranium was cut off after India’s first nuclear test in 1974. 

Challenges and Evolution:

• International Relations and Nuclear Policy : India’s nuclear program faced challenges in international relations, especially after the 1974 nuclear test, which led to the termination of assistance from the US and Canada. 
• Shift in Nuclear Strategy : Despite the challenges, India continued to develop its nuclear capabilities, focusing on peaceful uses of nuclear energy while maintaining the option for military applications. 

Space technology

1960s: Foundation of Space Research in India:

• Early Research (1920s): Space research in India began in the 1920s with scientists like S K Mitra, C V Raman, and Meghnad Saha conducting studies. 
• Initiation of Space Activities (1960s): Space-related activities in India started in the early 1960s, around the same time when satellite applications were in the experimental phase in the United States. 
• Role of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, known as the founding father of India’s space programme, recognized the potential benefits of space technologies for the country. 

1962: Establishment of INCOSPAR:

• Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR): Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, along with Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, set up INCOSPAR in 1962 to promote space research in India. 
• Rocket Launching Facility: INCOSPAR established a Rocket Launching Facility at Thumba, near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, known as the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), to conduct upper atmospheric research. 

1963: First Rocket Launch:

• First Rocket Launch: The first rocket was launched from India in November 1963 as part of the upper atmospheric research programme. 

1969: Formation of ISRO:

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): In 1969, ISRO was formed, taking over the responsibilities of INCOSPAR and expanding the scope of India’s space programme. 
• Vision of Vikram Sarabhai: Vikram Sarabhai played a crucial role in guiding ISRO to focus on space technology as a means for national development. 

ISRO's Mission and Development:

• Mission: ISRO’s mission is to provide space-based services to the nation and develop the necessary technologies independently. 
• Communication Satellites: ISRO maintains one of the largest fleets of communication satellites (INSAT) to meet the growing demand for fast and reliable communication. 
• Remote Sensing Satellites: ISRO also operates a vast number of remote sensing satellites (IRS) for earth observation and data collection. 

Applications of Space Technology:

• Satellite Products and Tools: ISRO develops and delivers application-specific satellite products and tools for various purposes, including: 
• Broadcasts and Communications: Providing communication services across the country. 
• Weather Forecasts: Offering accurate weather predictions and monitoring. 
• Disaster Management: Assisting in disaster management and response efforts. 
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Cartography: Supporting GIS applications and map-making activities. 
• Navigation: Providing navigation services through satellite systems. 
• Telemedicine: Facilitating telemedicine services in remote areas. 
• Distance Education: Offering dedicated distance education satellites for remote learning. 

Commitment to Public Service:

• Serving the Common Man: ISRO is committed to using space technology for the benefit of ordinary citizens and the nation as a whole. 

Indian Institute of Management (IIM)

After India gained independence in 1947, the Planning Commission was tasked with leading the nation's development.

• In the late 1950s, the Commission struggled to find suitable managers for the increasing number of public sector enterprises being set up as part of India's industrial policy. 
• To address this issue, the Planning Commission invited Professor George Robbins from UCLA in 1959 to assist in establishing an All India Institute of Management Studies. 
• Following his recommendations, the Indian government decided to establish two premier management institutes, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), in Calcutta and Ahmedabad. 
• The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta was the first to be established on November 13, 1961, in collaboration with the MIT Sloan School of Management, the government of West Bengal, the Ford Foundation, and Indian industry. 
• The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad was founded shortly after, with significant support from Harvard Business School. 
• In 1972, a committee led by Ravi J. Matthai recommended the establishment of two more IIMs, leading to the creation of IIM Bangalore the following year, originally aimed at serving public sector enterprises. 
• Institutions like AIIMS, IIMs, DRDO, ISRO, CSIR, IARC, and IISc were established with a forward-looking vision and have played a crucial role in addressing societal challenges by producing world-class professionals in various fields, contributing to India's strength in modern technologies. 
• Efforts were also made to enhance India's capacity for producing defense equipment, gradually achieving self-sufficiency in defense needs. 

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):

• DRDO is an agency of the Government of India responsible for military research and development, headquartered in New Delhi. 
• It was established in 1958 by merging various organizations involved in defense research and development. 
• DRDO's first major project was in surface-to-air missiles (SAM) known as Project Indigo in the 1960s, although it was later discontinued without full success. 
• India also transitioned to decimal coinage and a metric system of weights and measures, despite concerns about the population's ability to adapt to these changes. 

Green Revolution

Modernization of Agriculture and Health Sector Improvements

• Green Revolution: Led to the use of modern equipment and machinery in agriculture, transforming India from a food-deficient country to self-sufficiency in food production. 
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) : Established in 1905 in Pusa, Bihar, with the aim of reviving indigo plantations. The institute was damaged in the 1934 Bihar earthquake and relocated to New Delhi. 
• Post-independence, IARI was renamed and recognized as a deemed university in 1958, contributing to the development of rust-resistant wheat varieties. 
• Health Sector Advancements: Investment in health post-independence has led to increased longevity and the eradication of diseases like smallpox and polio. 
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS): Established in 1956 in New Delhi through an Act of Parliament, envisioned by Prime Minister Nehru and Health Minister Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. AIIMS has since become a premier medical institution, contributing significantly to healthcare in India. 

Indian Institute of Science (IISc): 

Background: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was founded in 1909 with the support of Jamsetji Tata and Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV. It is also known locally as the "Tata Institute." In 1958, it was granted deemed-to-be-university status. 

• Achievements: Since its establishment, IISc has contributed to various fields such as agriculture, healthcare, nuclear energy, space technology, defense research, and biotechnology. These achievements laid the groundwork for India's post-independence development. 
• Post-Independence Progress: After gaining independence, India made significant strides in scientific research and technology. This period saw a dramatic increase in food production, control of diseases, and improved life expectancy due to visionary planning. 
• Global Standing: India is now one of the top countries for technology investments, scientific research, and space exploration. It ranks among the top five nations in space missions and is known for its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). 
• Scientific Publications: India is among the top 10 countries in the world for scientific publications, reflecting its strong research capabilities. 
• ICT Services and Innovation: In 2017, India was ranked as the top exporter of information and communication technology (ICT) services and second in innovation quality. 
• Defense and Sectoral Development: India has developed a modern defense system and made significant investments in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, space research, and nuclear power through scientific research.