The idea of Indian Institute of Science, one of the top Institute of higher education and research in India today, took shape when two great personalities, Vivekananda, the monk who transformed India met J. N. Tata, the visionary who pioneered industrialization in India. This extraordinary encounter took place on a ship heading to Chicago on 1893. This letter from J. N. Tata to Swami Vivekananda, dated November 23, 1898, reveals an account of that encounter and shows the impact Swamiji had behind establishing this historical research Institute. Later on, Sister Nivedita played a crucial role in laying down the foundation of the institute amidst the severe hostility shown by the British government, especially Lord Curzon.
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Dear
Swami Vivekananda,
I
trust, you remember me as a fellow-traveler on your voyage from Japan to
Chicago. 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 Research Institute of
Science for India, of which you have doubtless heard or read. It seems to me
that no better use can be made of the ascetic spirit than the establishment of
monasteries or residential halls for men dominated by this spirit, where they
should live with ordinary decency, and devote their lives to the cultivation of
sciences – natural and humanistic. I am of opinion that, if such a crusade in
favor of an asceticism of this kind were undertaken by a competent leader, it
would greatly help asceticism, science, and the good name of our common
country; and I know not who would make a more fitting general of such a
campaign than Vivekananda. Do you think you would care to apply yourself to the
mission of galvanizing into life our traditions in this respect? Perhaps you
had better begin with a fiery pamphlet rousing our people in this matter. I
should cheerfully defray all the expenses of publication.
23rd
November 1898
Jamsetji
N. Tata
Acknowledgement: Semonti Bhattacharyya [2003]
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