The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Annual Report (2019–20) 5, Lajpatrai Road, Prayagraj-211002, India i Caption for Cover Page: Bharat Ratna Prof. C N R Rao receiving Prof. M.G.K Menon Memorial Award ii The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Annual Report (2019–20) Established: 1930 The oldest Science Academy of India; Recognised by the DST, GoI as Professional Body; and by the DSIR, GoI as the SIRO iii Published by: The General Secretary (HQ), NASI for The National Academy of Sciences, India Designed and edited by: Ms. Archna Pant with the support of Ms. Rashmi Mishra Year of Publication: 2020 For further information, please contact: The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) 5, Lajpatrai Road, Prayagraj-211002, India Phone: +91 (0532) 2640224, 2441243 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.nasi.nic.in, www.nasi.org.in NASI is also on Facebook & Twitter iv “An Academy of Science can do a great deal by educating public opinion, undertaking particular problems, and bringing out scientific workers in various fields for discussion and cooperative research. But the main function of the Academy should be towards cultural improvement by contributions to human knowledge”. - Prof. Meghnad Saha on the Inaugural Session of the Academy India is justified in feeling proud for its unique contributions to science in ancient days. However, successive foreign invasions and alien rule for centuries pushed science in the background and the country went through with what may be described as the Dark Age for science. Western science attracted Indian intelligentsia after the establishment of the western system of education and the universities; and despite many constraints, the country could produce giants like Prof.