India has had a long and distinguished tradition in science and technology. In the half-century prior to Independence, India produced many scientists who achieved world renown; generally, they were teacher— researchers in educational institutions. At the time of Independence, the industrial and technological base of the country was very small. Since then a scientific and technological infrastructure, covering a very broad spectrum of disciplines has been created. Scientific and technological accomplishments of significant magnitude have been seen in areas of high-technology like atomic energy, space and electronics, while closer to the lives of the masses, the success in attaining self-sufficiency in foodgrain production, based on genetic engineering, has been equally spectacular. Indian scientists and technologists have been able to fulfil national expectations when clear-cut objectives and tasks are indicated and necessary support provided. The true contribution of science is to endow a nation with competence and confidence, in terms of both these criteria, the self-reliance developed in many areas, and in terms of economic returns, India has reaped ample rewards from the investments made in science and technology

India won independence after about two centuries of colonial exploitation. At this juncture, the world politics as whole was undergoing a revolutionary change but the developed countries, were not prepared to abandon their imperialistic pursuit. Hence, India, like many other newly liberated countries, could not risk its freedom again by opening up its economy to the western world. However, Indian economy at that time was afflicted by severe problems like shortage of