The history of science initiative is a beginning in bringing this rich past out of archives and institutions and research papers and personal memories. It is but the tip of the iceberg and a starting point to unravelling this story bit by bit, piece by piece, through narratives, texts, interviews, photographs, objects, audio-visual material and archival resources.

As countries of science and civilization since times immemorial, our peoples have interacted, exchanged, travelled and collaborated for centuries and decades. The oldest traces of common history between France and the Indian subcontinent dates back to medieval history, especially in the field of knowledge. Thus, in order to bring this perspective, the story had to dive deep back into the ancient world, in the exchanges that transpired between European scientists and philosophers and the civilizations that emerged in Southern Asia. Some segments of the exhibition therefore also focus on ancient discoveries that shaped and caused the prolific scientific and technological achievements that happened in the 20^th century and thereafter.

Yes, a meeting at the Fifth General Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) in Washington DC in 1962 connected Jacques Blamont, Founder of Scientific & Technical Director of the French Space Agency (CNES) and Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian space programme thereby paving the way for the Indian space programme on 21^st November 1963 with the launch of a sodium vapour payload from Thumba brought to India by Jacques Blamont. This was followed by three more rocket-based experiences conducted by the French Centaurus, a two-stage solid propellant rocket provided by CNES to ISRO.

But that’s not all.

The history of science and technology between the two countries is laden with precious gems pointing to invaluable, though little known, stories of ‘adventurers and pioneers’, comprising of scientists, academicians, entrepreneurs, institutions, engineers and government. The exhibition brings you stories across mathematics, medicine, nuclear science, biodiversity, aviation, physics, visual analytics, locomotives, astronomy, cartography and more.

The initiative will take you through some rare snippets of the prized Tata Central Archives, give you a peek into Airbus’ geospatial digital platform, bring to fore some brilliant records from the Institut Français de Pondichéry which is a repository of international research in cultures, environments and societies in South Asia, and delve into the experiences, memories, testimonies of many brilliant personalities, from India, from France.

A discussion forum in each city will elaborate further on a subject or the exhibition or dwell upon aspects of history not covered by the exhibition.

• 12th July, Kolkata: Data for Life Data for Science
• 3rd June, Hyderabad: History of Indo-French Aviation, Visual Analytics, and Data & Development
• 12th May, Bangalore: Indo-French space collaboration: from past to future
• 19th April, Delhi: Pasteur to Present: 200 years of Indo-French Health Advancement

The exhibition is also accompanied by an education kit designed for French language classes wherein students will have the opportunity to practice their French skills through playful activities. They will discover great Indian and French scientific figures, learn about the Indo-French scientific cooperation and enrich their vocabulary.

Overall, this initiative has been created with the objective of inculcating scientific temperament, fostering a collaborative approach to international research, highlighting the value of international relations for the development of science, saluting the great scientific minds of India and France and the world at large, highlighting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals including quality education, promotion of STEM studies, gender equality, diversity and inclusion in education, underlying the role of industry in academic and scientific research and the value of their co-existence, showcasing opportunities for research, higher education, academic exchanges and mobility along with the internationalization of education and finally, reiterating the role of scientific knowledge in ensuring a safe and healthy world and a better life! We want to excite professionals and students to inspire them to usher in a new era of scientific collaboration between the two countries.

This exhibition highlights the interpersonal aspect of scientific interactions more than delving into the technical details of scientific discoveries. At the end of the day, this history and shared relationship are above all about the people of the two countries.

This history is still unravelling and we hope more stories will join this fascinating array of narrative, adventure and most importantly, about knowledge sharing and fellowship.

Test your knowledge, Solve this Crossword Puzzle!

Across

3. Maharaja of which Indian Princely state constructed Jantar Mantar
4. “Bad cough” is another name for which infection which plagued india in 19th and 20th century?
5. What is the first name of first Indian ambassador to France also served at the French front in the world war 1?
6. What is the second word in the motto of the French Revolution?
7. Father Racine taught at which college in Chennai? Hint: He’s been a teacher to remarkable mathematicians, the likes of Seshadri who started CMI,
8. Binary nature of the Alpha Centauri star system was discovered in India in the 17th century. where?

Down

1. What is the third word in the motto of the French Revolution?
2. What is the first word in the motto of the French Revolution?
3. What was the name of first rocket launched by ISRO?
4. Who developed the vaccine to tackle rabies?
5. Where did the French astronomer, Pierre Janssen, discover helium?
6. The French botanist, Nicolas L’Empereur, documented the ecology and medicinal plants of which current Indian state in 18th century?