Historicizing Indian Science Congress Association and International Relations In Science

There is limited research on scientific institutions, particularly scientific societies, professional associations and academies of science, etc. in the existing literature of the history of science and technology, science technology studies (STS) and science diplomacy in particular. Recent studies on the Royal Society of London, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and French Academy of Sciences have highlighted their role in strengthening international relations of/in science and science diplomacy. Their roles in the genesis of the scientific community, creation of scientific societies, advancing science and articulating social relations of science have been studied. However, the role of scientific societies, academies of science in catalyzing international relations in/of science is mostly sidelined. The chapter aims to study the role of academies and associations of science as ambassadors of their countries and as stakeholders in facilitating development networks through science. The social relations of science, particularly, social implications of scientific discoveries and social responsibility of science gained greater importance during 1930s and 1940s, marking growing responsibility of science/scientists towards their role in social well-being, international peace and cooperation. The present chapter explores the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), one of the earliest professional associations of science role in shaping international relations in science and science diplomacy. ISCA has played an instrumental role in the emergence of the scientific community in India, institutionalization and professionalization of science including the foundation of the academies of science in India, particularly the National Institute of Sciences in India (now known as Indian National Science Academy). The chapter is based on archival research including ISCA's proceedings and documents, and a biographical study of its members, general and sectional presidents during 1914-1964 to understand scientific networks. The chapter, also, highlights the role of science as a tool for communication and collaboration even during times of difficult relations between countries, with particular reference to India’s continued scientific engagement with British institutions and scientists during the peak of India’s struggle for Independence from the British rule.