Scenery Talchung City FDC from Taiwan

FDC Name:Scenery Talchung City
Issue Date:03/05/2018
Details:

Continuing the series of Taiwan Scenery postage stamps released in 2016 and 2017 depicting Taitung County, Tainan City and Matsu, Chunghwa Post issued a further set of four stamps featuring outstanding places of interest in Taichung City. The stamps are described below: 

1. Taichung Park (NT$8): An important landmark in Taichung City. The Park is verdant and full of trees with historic buildings such as the antique Heart of the Lake and Gazing at the Moon Pavilions. There is also an open-air stage and children’s play area, making the Park a hotspot for family walks, rest and leisure. 

2. National Taichung Theater (NT$9): The Theater lies in the Xitun District of Taichung City. It was designed by the Japanese architect, Toyo Ito, to be a womb for beautiful music. The building has 3D-curved surfaces with air holes and is of a tubular design; no pillars are used in any part of it. Seen face on, it curves round like a flagon of wine: truly something wholly new. 

3. Wuling Farm (NT$12): The Farm lies on the banks of the Qijiawan River in the upper reaches of the Da-Jia River. It was established in 1963. It hosts abundant plant and animal life, cultural relics and the Neolithic Qijiawan site. In spring it is famed for its flowers, in summer for fruit, in autumn for red maple leaves and in winter for snow. It is a well-known tourist spot. 

4. Gaomei Wetlands (NT$15): The Wetlands lie in Qingshui, at the south side to the mouth of the Da-Jia River. They are rich in natural resources thanks to a combination of fertile mud and sandy beaches. The marshy land at the estuary supports a rich and complex wetland ecology and is famous for bird watching. In recent years the Wetlands have become an internationally famous tourist attraction.

FDC Designer- Delta Design Corporation and the Stamp Printer-China Color Printing Co.Ltd(Source- Chunghwa Post)

Remark:Nice real posted FDC from Taiwan.thanks Chen.Excellent two type of cancellation.

Cancellation Designs of India FDC in year 2008

These above cancellation designs were used in 55 nos of FDC issued by Indiapost in the year 2008.Among all the FDC The Madhubala FDC issued on 18th MARCH 2008 was judged the best FDC in a poll by a popular web site in India.If you see the designs you will also like the the designs,A great work is done by the designers.

Launch of the Cross-strait Mail Links ATM FDC from Taiwan

FDC Name:Launch of the Cross-strait Mail Links.
Issue Date:15th DEC 2008.
Remark:This FDC was posted by my friend on the issue date but received in our local postoffice(Delivered seal on the front side) on 5th JAN 2009 but misplaced some where by department of post and actual delivered to me few days back,You can also see the condition of this FDC. As per the rule of the postal department-INDIA POST the delivered seal should be put on the back side of the letter but in this case it was on the front side.The handling of letters by India post is so bad that I received 50% of my ordinary mail either tampered,damaged or opened and we can not do any thing-This is our India Post.

Merry Christmas Folder from India

Folder Name:Merry Christmas

Issue Date:8th DEC'2008

Details:The folder contents following items

1. Cancelled First Day Cover
2. Brochure
3. Set of of two stamps

Sarder Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy,Hyderbad Presentation Folder from India

Folder Name: Sarder Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy,Hyderbad

Issue Date:27th NOV'2008

Details:This folder was designed by Mr.Kamleshwar Singh and contents following inside the folder.

1. Cancelled First Day Cover
2. Brochure
3. Miniature Sheet

Remark:The Folder was available in the local GPO few days back though it was issued on 27th NOV'2008.So all the philatelist have to wait long period to get these Folder from GPO.The planing of India Post is very very bad but we do not have any choice.So we say to our self "HAPPY COLLECTING".

Saint Alphonsa Presentation Folder from India

Folder Name:Cannonization of Saint Alphonsa.

Issue Date:12th OCT'2008

Details:This Folder issued by India Post Contents following inside the folder

1. Cancelled First Day Cover
2. Brochure
3. Miniature Sheet.

Celebrate Christmas FDC from Australia

FDC Name:Celebrate Christmas.

Issue Date:31st OCT'2008.

Details:Christmas in Australia is within three days of the longest day of the year therefore They have long daylight hours with warm temperatures instead of short days with long cold nights compare to other place in the world, Of an evening the sound of children playing outdoors drifts across the suburbs.This 2008 Christmas stamp & FDC issue continues the tradition of Australian Christmas stamps featuring religious subjects. Three of this year’s stamps celebrate the birth of Jesus through images of iconic figures from the Christmas story and the Nativity. Resembling a three-part altarpiece when shown together, the stamps combine photographic and design elements, and draw upon a range of techniques and artistic influences to offer a modern approach to a traditional story. A stand-alone alternative stamp recognises the centuries-old ritual of decorating the home at Christmas, a tradition continued today by the common practice of adorning our Christmas trees with festive tinsel, lights and baubles.

• Designer: Melinda Coombes
• Cover & Stamp Designer (Bauble): Adam Crapp

Remark:Many thanks to my friend from Australia who have sent this nice unaddressed FDC to me.Only limited quantity of 15000 FDC printed.Wish all my friends a great HAPPY NEW YEAR-2009.

Sheik Thambi Pavlar FDC from India

FDC Name:Sheik Thambi Pavlar.

Issue Date:31st DEC'2008

Details:Sheik Thambi Pavalar was born on 31st JUL'1874. He was having good knowledge of tamil grammar and literature.He wrote many books and more important among them are "Thirukkottaru", Pathirthupathu Anthathi.He was an authority on "Kamba Ramayanam". He was also an orator who could hold the audience spellbound.He is popularly known as "Sadavadani". which means one who has a grasp on many different aspects of knowledge at a moment. On 10th March 1907 he performed Sathavathana Programme in the presence of Tamil Scholars and got appreciation. He took part in the Independence struggle of India. He died on 13th FEB'1950.

• Denomination 500p
• 0.4 Million stamps Printed
• Stamps printed in India Security Press,Nasik
• FDC & Cancellation design by Alka Sharma
  

Udumalai Narayana Kavi FDC from India

FDC Name:Udumalai Narayana Kavi

Issue date:31st DEC'2008

Details:Udumalai Narayana Kavi (1899-1981) was born to a poor family in Poolavadi on 25/09/1899, a small village in Udumalpet taluk, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India. He is a proud son of Tamil nadu and belongs to the 24 manai Telugu chettiars.

He is remembered for writing several lyrics that were used in the freedom movement in his early days and between 1950 to 1972, he wrote popular lyrics for several Kollywood movies.

His parents died at a very young age and poverty deprived him of school when young. With the help of his brother, he made a small living selling match boxes to the near by villages. Even when young he had a keen interest in play and music.

He initially started off acting in plays at the local temple and then got connected with some leading play groups in Tamil Nadu. Today's Kollywood is an amalgamation of several of those play groups. He slowly made way into writing lyrics for various movies. Several of the movies that he wrote lyrics for were box office hits including Velaikari, Nallathambi, Poompuhar, Manohara.

He was affectionately called as "Kaviraayar" in the movie industry. In respect for his contribution to Tamil and its people, the government of Tamil Nadu has erected a memorial for him at Udumalpet. His Kathakalakshepam titled "Kindanar" was to eradicated caste-based discrimination among the people.His poems contained retionalist,patriotic and social messages.

What made Narayana Kavi very popular was his ability to use simple language that could be understood by even peasants. He passed away in 1981.

• Denomination 500p
• 0.4 Million stamps printed
• The Stamp was printed by India Security Press,Nasik .
• FDC & Cancellation was by Nenu Gupta

M.Bhakthavatsalam FDC from India

FDC Name:M.Bhakthavatsalam

Issue Date:31st DEC'2008

Details:M. Bhaktavatsalam (b. October 9, 1897 - d. January 31, 1987) was an Indian lawyer, politician and freedom fighter from the state of Tamil Nadu. He served as the Chief Minister of Madras state from October 2, 1963 to March 6, 1967. He was the last Congress chief minister of Tamil Nadu and the last to have taken part in the Indian independence movement.
Bhaktavatsalam was born on October 9, 1897 in the Madras Presidency.He studied law and practised as an advocate in the Madras High Court. He involved himself in politics and the freedom movement right from an early age and was imprisoned during the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement. He was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937 and served as Parliamentary Secreatary in the Rajaji government and as a minister in the O. P. Ramaswamy Reddiyar government. He led the Indian National Congress during the 1950s and served as the Chief Minister of Madras Presidency from 1963 to 1967. Following the defeat of the Indian National Congress in the 1967 elections, Bhaktavatsalam partially retired from politics. He died on January 31, 1987 at the age of 89.

• Denomination 500p
• 0.4 Million stamps printed
• India Security Press Nasik designed the stamps.
• Alka Sharma designed the First Day Cover and the pictorial first day postmark.

Remark:Good real posted FDC by registered post.

Thillaiyadi Valliammai FDC from India

FDC Name:Thillaiyadi Valliammai

Issue Date:31st DEC'2008

Details:She was born on 22-02-1898. As a patriot she fought the British to get freedom in her young age, Even Annal Gandhi praised her as one invoked independence feeling to her and remained as his ideal. She died on 22-02-1914. As a mark of respect her memorial was opened on 13-08-1971. Her statue, life history and photographs displayed here to visit public at the area of 2451.65sqm. The Library also functioning regularly in this memorial. Situated in Thillayadi Valliammai Village at Tharangambadi Taulk.

• Denomination 500p
• 0.4 Million stamps printed
• India Security Press Nasik designed the stamps.
• Alka Sharma designed the First Day Cover and the pictorial first day postmark

Remark:Nice real posted FDC by my friend from India by registered post.Thanks to India post for making availability of the materials.

60th Universal Declaration of Human Rights FDC from India

FDC Name:60th Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Issue Date:10th DEC'2008

Details:On 10 December, Human Rights Day, the Secretary-General launched a year-long campaign in which all parts of the United Nations family are taking part in the lead up to the 60th birthday of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on Human Rights Day 2008.
With more than 360 language versions to help them, UN organizations around the globe are using the year to focus on helping people everywhere to learn about their human rights. The UDHR was the first international recognition that all human beings have fundamental rights and freedoms and it continues to be a living and relevant document today. The theme of the campaign, “Dignity and justice for all of us,” reinforces the vision of the Declaration as a commitment to universal dignity and justice and not something that should be viewed as a luxury or a wish-list.

• Many things can be said about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It is the foundation of international human rights law, the first universal statement on the basic principles of inalienable human rights, and a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. As the UDHR approaches its 60th birthday, it is timely to emphasize the living document’s enduring relevance, its universality, and that it has everything to do with all of us. Today, the UDHR is more relevant than ever.
• It was the UDHR, almost 60 years ago, that first recognized what have become nowadays universal values: human rights are inherent to all and the concern of the whole of the international community. Drafted by representatives of all regions and legal traditions, the UDHR has stood the test of time and resisted attacks based on “relativism”. The Declaration and its core values, including non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality, apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The UDHR belongs to all of us.
  More than ever, in a world threatened by racial, economic and religious divides, we must defend and proclaim the universal principles --first enshrined in the UDHR-- of justice, fairness and equality that people across all boundaries hold so deeply.
• Human rights are not only a common inheritance of universal values that transcend cultures and traditions, but are quintessentially local values and nationally-owned commitments grounded in international treaties and national constitutions and laws.
  The Declaration represents a contract between governments and their peoples, who have a right to demand that this document be respected. Not all governments have become parties to all human rights treaties. All countries, however, have accepted the UDHR. The Declaration continues to affirm the inherent human dignity and worth of every person in the world, without distinction of any kind.
• The UDHR protects all of us, and it also enshrines the gamut of human rights. The drafters of the UDHR saw a future of freedom from fear, but also of freedom from want. They put all human rights on an equal footing and confirmed human rights are essential to a life of dignity.
• The UDHR drafters’ vision has inspired many human rights defenders who have struggled over the last six decades to make that vision a reality. The contemporary international human rights edifice that originates in the UDHR is to be celebrated. But it has yet to benefit all of humanity equally.
• The struggle is far from over. As the Declaration’s custodians and beneficiaries, all of us must reclaim the UDHR, make it our own. While we are entitled to our human rights, we should also respect the human rights of others and help make universal human rights a reality for all of us. In our efforts lies the power of the UHDR: it is a living document that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Remark:Excellent FDC but due to non-availability of stamps,FDC I could not receive the real posted FDC in my address.Bad work of India Post.

New Year's Greeting FDC from Taiwan

FDC Name:New Year's Greeting(year of "ox")
Issue date:1st DEC'2008

Details:This miniature sheet New year's Greeting has a design a yin and yang symbol that is composed of ripples of water,an ox and aleaf floating on the water.The design in conjunction with an expression meaning "a turn for the good" that begins with two characters"niu-jhuan"(a homonym for "ox"plus the character "turns") implies that in the year of the ox,the world will be renewed.On the margin,a magpie on a trip of a plum tree symbolizes auspiciousness by suggesting the expression"joy rises to the tips of one's eyebrows".The classic pink color scheme imparts a serene atmosphere to the sheet.

Remark:Excellent two real posted FDC from my Taiwan friend,Great thanks a lot.

30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up FDC from China

FDC Name:30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up

Issue Date:18th DEC'2008

Details:The year 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. The reform and opening-up is a new revolution carried out in the new era throughout the country under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and a great cause of epoch-making significance to the development of the CPC and the state. Over the past 30 years, China's reform has spread from rural areas to cities and from the economic sector to all other fields, with substantial results achieved. People's livelihood has undergone great changes - from a lack of adequate food and clothing to moderate prosperity. The socialist modernization construction has entered a new stage of development. Practices have proved that the desision to implement reform and opening-up is vital to the destiny of contemporary China, and that reform and opening-up are the only way of developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and rejuvenating the Chinese nation.

Remark:Good & perfect real posted FDC from my friend.

30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up FDC from China

FDC Name:30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up
Issue date:18th DEC'2008
Details:The year 2008 marks the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up. The reform and opening-up is a new revolution carried out in the new era throughout the country under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and a great cause of epoch-making significance to the development of the CPC and the state. Over the past 30 years, China's reform has spread from rural areas to cities and from the economic sector to all other fields, with substantial results achieved. People's livelihood has undergone great changes - from a lack of adequate food and clothing to moderate prosperity. The socialist modernization construction has entered a new stage of development. Practices have proved that the desision to implement reform and opening-up is vital to the destiny of contemporary China, and that reform and opening-up are the only way of developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and rejuvenating the Chinese nation.
Remark:Perfect,I hope he is best,keep it up for 2009.

BRAHMOS Cruise missiles FDC from India

FDC Name:BRAHMOS

Issue Date:22nd DEC'2008

Details:India post released today two stamps on BRAHMOS in denomination of 500p & 2000p with Miniature Sheet-2500p.

BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. The acronym BrahMos is perceived as the confluence of the two nations represented by two great rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia. Though India had wanted the BrahMos to be based on a mid range cruise missile, namely P-700 Granit, instead Russia opted for the shorter range sister of the missile, P-800 Oniks, in order to comply with MTCR restrictions, to which Russia is a signatory.
It is a joint venture between India's Defense Research and Development Organization and Russia's NPO Mashinostroeyenia who have together formed the BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited. Propulsion is based on the Russian Yakhont missile, and guidance has been developed by BrahMos Corp. At speeds of Mach 2.5 to 2.8, it is the world's fastest cruise missile and is about three and a half times faster than the U.S.A's subsonic Harpoon cruise missile.
There are 8 variants of the BrahMos:
Ship-to-Ship (operational)
Land-to-Land (operational)
Land-to-Ship (operational)
Ship-to-Land (operational)
Air-to-Ship
Air-to-Land
Sub-to-Ship and
Sub-to-Land
BrahMos is regarded as the fastest cruise missile and now a hypersonic version of the missile is under development.(Lab Tested with 5.26 Mach Speed)

BRAHMOS name represent two well known rivers,Brahmaputra of India and Moskova of Russia.The calmness and serenity of Moskova River and the power and speed of Brahmaputra depict the main characteristics of “BRAHMOS Supersonic Cruise Missile:,

Swami Ranganathananda Stamps from INDIA

Stamp name:Swami Ranganathananda

Issue Date:15th DEC'2008

Details:In 1926 he joined the Mysore branch of Ramakrishna Math. He obtained his final vows of monasticism from Swami Shivananda (also known as Mahapurush Maharaj) in 1933. He spent the first 12 years of monasticism in Mysore and Bangalore branches. He served there as the cook, personal attendant to Swami Siddheswaranandaji. He is said to have rendered remarkable service as the secretary and librarian at the Rangoon branch of Ramakrishna Mission from 1939 to 1942. He then served as the president of the Karachi centre of math from 1942 to 1948 until the partition of India.
From 1949 to 1962, he served as a secretary at the Delhi centre. Then from 1962 to 1967, he served as the Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Kolkata, director of School of Humanistic & Cultural studies, editor of mission's monthly. Then he served as the president of the Hyderabad branch for a long period. He was elected to the post of vice-president of Ramakrishna Math and Mission in 1989 and then as the president in 1998.
A man with a great insight into the problems of India and the world, Raganathananda was a great orator and scholar. He undertook extensive lecture tours from 1946 to 1972 covering over 50 countries in North and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe, including Russia, Poland and Czechoslovakia. From 1973 to 1986 he annually visited Australia, USA and Europe, spreading the message of Vedanta. Thus he served as a cultural and spiritual ambassador of India,
He declined the Padma Vibhushan as it was conferred on him in his individual capacity but accepted the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 1987 and the Gandhi Peace Prize in February 1999 as both were conferred on the Ramakrishna Mission.
Raganathananda lived the last days of his life in the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission at Belur in West Bengal.
He attained Mahasamadhi at Woodlands Medical Centre, Kolkata, at 3:51 p.m. on Monday, 25 April, 2005, owing to cardiac arrest. He was 96. His mortal remains were kept for darshan at Belur Math (near Kolkata) on that day, and were consigned to flames at 12.30 p.m. on 26 April, 2005.

Prominent works by Swami Raganathananda

• Eternal Values for a Changing Society (Vol- I to IV)
• Philosophy & Spirituality
• Great Spiritual teachers
• Education for Human Excellence
• Democracy for Total Human Fulfilment
• The message of Upanishads
• A pilgrim looks at the World (Vol. I & II)
• Swami Vivekananda and Human Excellence
• Vivekananda : his Humanism
• Science and Religion
• The essence of Indian Culture
• An introduction to the study of Gita
• The spiritual life of Indian people
• Vedanta and the future of Mankind
• The charm and power of the Upanishads
• Bhagawan Buddha and our heritage
• The Christ we adore
• Practical Vedanta and the Science of values
• The Indian vision of God as Mother
• Essence of Indian Culture
• The approach to Truth in Vedanta
• Divine Grace
• Democratic administration in the light of Practical Vedanta
• Universal message of Bhagavad Gita (vol I to III)
• Message of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

Website on Life of Swami Ranganathananda and his views on education and philosophy

Remark:Nice FDC but stamps & FDC not available on the issue date

Field Marshal Manekshaw stamps from INDIA

Stamp name: Field Marshal Manekshaw
Issue date:16th DEC'2008

Details:On the auspicious occasion of 'Vijay Diwas', President Pratibha Patil released a commemorative postage stamp on Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw at a special ceremony held at Rastrapati Bhawan today.
Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister A K Antony recalled the Field Marshal's contribution during India's victory in 1971 operations.
Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor highlighted that there is no better way to honour the spirit of the great man on the occasion of 'Vijay Diwas' than by releasing the commemorative postage stamp on Field Marshal Manekshaw.

• Field Marshal Manekshaw was born in Amritsar on April 3, 1914. He joined the first course at IMA, Dehradun and was commissioned into Frontier Force Regiment on February 4, 1934. He was a military genius, who excelled in all operations.In a long Career spanning nearly four decades,Manekshaw rose to be the 8th chief of staff of the Indian Army in 1969 and under his command, Indian forces concluded a victorious campaign during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.


• He was critically wounded twice during the Second World War in Burma and was honoured with Military Cross for his bravery.Sam Manekshaw was the first of only two Indian military officers to hold the highest rank of Field Marshal in the Indian Army (the other being Field Marshal K M Cariappa). His distinguished military career spanned four decades and through five wars, including World War


• His passing away on June 27, 2008 has left a void in the country.


• The Field Marshal Manekshaw was honoured with Padma Bhushan and Padam Vibhushan for his exemplary service to the nation by the Government. (ANI)

Remark:Excellent FDC by India Post but as usual stamps not available on the issue date.

Judiciary FDC from Hong Kong

FDC Name:Judiciary
Issue Date:27th NOV'2008
Details:The Judiciary is a cornerstone of our society.Its mission is to maintain an independent and effective judicial system which upholds the rule of law,safeguards the rights and freedoms of the individual,and commands confidence within and outside Hong Kong.
This set of four stamps is issued to pay tribute to the Judiciary.Each stamps features a familiar symbol of the Judiciary.

1. The Statute of Justice( $1.40)
2. The Court of Final Appeal($2.40)
3. Judaical Robes($3.00)
4. The Chief Justice's Mace($5.00)

Remark:Nice FDC with good cancellation posted on the issue date by my friend from Hong Kong.Thanks

Indian Institute of science Stamps from India

Stamp Name:Indian Institute of science.

Issue Date:14th DEC'2008

Details:

• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was conceived as a 'Research Institute' or 'University of Research' by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, in the twilight years of the 19th century. A long period of almost thirteen years was to elapse from the initial conception in 1896 to the birth of the Institute on May 27, 1909.
• The early history of the Institute is a fascinating chapter in the story of higher education and scientific research in India. The cast of characters in the drama that led to the establishment of the Institute includes, in addition to its charismatic and generous founder J.N. Tata, figures from the pages of Indian history. There is Swami Vivekananda, whom J.N. Tata befriended on his famous voyage to the United States, the Maharaja of Mysore, Shri Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and his mother then acting on his behalf, and Lord Curzon the Viceroy of India, whose first task on arrival on December 31, 1898 was to receive a draft proposal prepared by the Provisional Committee set up to plan the establishment of the Institute.
• The plan was shepherded through many difficult years by Burjorji Padshah, a close associate of J.N. Tata. Unfortunately, J.N. Tata died in 1904 unaware that his vision would indeed be realized a few years later. When the British Government finally issued the Vesting Order in 1909, an unmatched experiment in higher education and research was launched in India. IISc is truly the first example of a public-private partnership in this country; an institution, whose evolution over a century is testimony to the robustness of its foundations.
• The Institute occupies nearly 400 acres of prime land in Bangalore, generously donated bythe Maharaja of Mysore in March 1907. Indeed, the contribution from the princely state of Mysore was the decisive element in determining the location of J.N. Tata's proposed institution. Remarkably, in a gesture unmatched in the annals of private philanthropy in India, Tata did not wish his name to be associated with the Institute. His dream was to create an institution that would contribute to the development of India. The name, Indian Institute of Science, which was finally chosen, reflects in every way the wishes of J.N. Tata. Visitors to Bangalore who seek out IISc still have to ask local residents for directions to the 'Tata Institute', a clear recognition that Jamsetji Tata's act of generosity has remained undimmed in public memory, despite the passage of a century.
• The Institute began with only two departments: General and Applied Chemistry and Electro-Technology. The first Director, Morris W Travers began the task of organizing the Institute shortly after his arrival in India at the end of 1906. Travers began the construction of the main building, which is one of Bangalore's landmarks today. The Departments of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry together with the Library were among the earliest to be established. The Physics department came into being in 1933, when C.V. Raman became the first Indian Director of the Institute. In the century that has passed since its inception, IISc has grown to become India's premier centre for research and postgraduate education in science and engineering. The evolution of the Institute over the past one hundred years has mirrored the development of science and technology in India. A long history, a strong tradition of academic research and an ambience that favours scholarly activity have been important elements in making the Institute a most attractive place for students and faculty.
• As the Institute has grown, several new areas of research have been established, many of them for the first time in India. The Institute's departments in fields ranging from Biochemistry to Aerospace Engineering have served to nucleate research and development in both the public and private sectors. The faculty and alumni of the Institute have been responsible for establishing and spearheading many new institutions and programs across the country, reflecting in a real sense, a major contribution of this centre of learning to national growth and development. Homi Bhabha conceived the idea of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and an Atomic Energy Program while working in the Department of Physics. Vikram Sarabhai, the founder of India's space program was an alumnus. Following his premature death, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was built by the farsighted leadership of Satish Dhawan, who simultaneously held the position of the Director of the Institute with the greatest distinction. The first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Kharagpur was established by J.C.Ghosh, who was the Director of IISc in the critical period 1939-48, during which much of the activity in engineering was initiated at the Institute.
• Many of India's most distinguished scientists have been associated with the Institute as students or faculty. Notable among them are G. N. Ramachandran, Harish Chandra, S. Ramaseshan, Brahm Prakash, A. Ramachandran, C.N.R.Rao and R. Narasimha. Alumni of the Institute head many major organizations in India and abroad. The Institute offers a variety of Master's degree programs in Engineering, an integrated (post-B.Sc.) program in sciences and Ph.D. programs in a wide spectrum of disciplines in science and engineering. The research laboratories at the Institute are well equipped. Many national facilities are housed at the Institute. The library and computational facilities at the Institute are amongst the best in India. A major program for modernizing laboratories is underway, catalyzed by a special grant provided by the Government of India in 2006. The Institute hosts hundreds of visitors from India and abroad every year and is the venue for many major national and international academic events.
• The face of science and engineering research has been changing very rapidly over the past few years. In approaching the second century of the Institute many new activities have been initiated. Notable among them are the interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs in Mathematical Sciences, Chemical Biology, Earth System Science, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering for Integrated Systems. These programs are intended to blur the traditional boundaries between disciplines, thereby promoting cross-disciplinary research. An M.Tech. program in Climate Science has also been introduced. A new Centre for Earth Sciences has been established and two new centres in the areas of Neuroscience and Climate Change are expected to begin activities in the near future. The Institute hopes to foster collaborative and interdisciplinary research in a vigorous fashion in the years to come. The Institute is also committed to promoting post-doctoral research in the areas of science and engineering. The Institute engages in interactions with society and industry through a variety of outreach programs. The Centre for Scientific and Industrial Consultancy (CSIC) and the Society for Innovation and Development (SID) promote collaborative interactions with industry, while the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) provides an opportunity for working scientists and engineers to enrich themselves academically. The Institute actively promotes programs that encourage bright young school and undergraduate students to undertake research careers. The Institute's Young Fellowships Program in Science and Engineering seeks to bring young students to the campus in summer. The Institute also administers the Kishore Vaigyanik ProtsahanYojana (KVPY) program of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The Institute's commitment to socially relevant research is specifically emphasized by the activities undertaken at the Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST), together with the Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST), which is housed on the campus.
• To live and work at the Institute is a special privilege. Anniversaries are an occasion for both celebration and introspection. In reflecting on the past, present and future of the Institute, in this Centenary Year, an exchange between Morris Travers, the first Director, and Lord Willingdon, the then Viceroy, is worth recounting. Willingdon went around the Institute in June 1914 and said: "I had no idea that there was anything like this in India". Travers responded: "There is nothing like it in India; and nothing better in Great Britain". In ensuring that this sentiment is true, a great deal of work remains to be done.