Dr. Manali Kallat Vainu Bappu (1927 – 82)
Founder Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics
The Founder’s Day is an occasion when all members of IIA come together and pause for a while to take stock of our progress, to reassure ourselves that we are following the path charted out by the founder and make a fresh pledge to dedicate ourselves to the tasks ahead.
In 1971, the Government of India accorded autonomous research institute status to the Kodaikanal Observatory leading to the birth of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. Dr M. K. Vainu Bappu, Director of the Observatory at that time, was the moving force behind the creation of the Institute. Bappu initiated efforts towards establishing a modern optical observatory for night-time astronomy in peninsular India.
His aim was to promote, guide and conduct research in all branches of astrophysics; to establish and maintain astronomical observatories in the country; to co-operate and collaborate with other national and international organizations; to train personnel and motivate them to take up research in astrophysics; and to disseminate knowledge and information concerning astrophysics as widely as possible.
Vainu Bappu inspired a whole generation of optical astronomers in the country and this tradition continues with IIA training young and bright students to pursue a fruitful career in astronomy and astrophysics. A whole generation of astrophysicists was trained at the Institute and are pursuing their careers successfully in India and abroad. This generation is expected to carry forward Bappu’s legacy by taking fresh initiatives in building larger telescopes and innovative instruments to keep India at the forefront of astronomical research.
Founder's Day Lectures
2024: Prof. Umesh V. Waghmare
President, Indian Academy of Sciences
2023: Prof. Sujata Ramdorai
Canada Research Chair, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Vainu Bappu Telescope to James Webb Telescope: Role of Mathematics in Astronomy
2022: Prof. T. Ramasami
Former Secretary, DST, Government of India
Collaborative excellence in basic science: Lessons from Vainu Bappu
2021: Dr. Archana Sharma
Principal Scientist, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland
Older Lectures (2007-2020)
- 2020: Professor Krishnaswamy VijayRaghavan
The development of the ability to move - 2019: Professor Vinod K. Gaur
Plate Tectonics and the Making of Himalaya - An ongoing Process - 2016: Professor Rajaram Nityananda
The Astronomy Mathematics connection - 2015: Professor S. M. Chitre
Dr Vainu Bappu's Legacy to Solar Astronomy in India - 2014: Professor B. V. Sreekantan
Symbiotic Developments in Physics and Astronomy in the 20thCentury: Where are they leading us in our search for “Reality”? - 2013: Professor G. Srinivasan
Down Memory Lane: Vainu Bappu's Dreams Revisited - 2012: Dr Anil Kakodkar
Management of Mega Science Programmes - 2011: Professor M. G. K. Menon
The Founder of IIA - Vainu Bappu: Many Memories and the Lessons we can learn from him - 2010: Professor G. Padmanaban
Growth of Biotechnology in India - 2009: Professor Govind Swarup
Experimental Astronomy in India : Some Lessons - 2008: Professor C. N. R. Rao
Doing Science in India : Personal Reflections - 2007: Professor P. Balaram
Measuring and Assessing Science