Indian Science Congress Association and the VIPs

摘要

M. K. Unnikrishnan raises a serious issue about the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) and the so-called VIPs (Very Important/'Isolated' Persons). So far as the achievements of ISCA are concerned, there is nothing to criticize. It fulfills its objectives even today. Thousands of scientists meet, establish contacts and present their results. It is an important part of India's scientific culture and needs to be continued. I am not sure how many of us are familiar with the history of the ISCA and its objectives. Let me start with its commencement so that in the end we can judge whether VIPs were an important part and see how the political elements encroached into scientists' terrain.