Homi J Bhabha: A Life
Author: Bakhtiar K Dadabhoy
Publisher: Rupa
Pages: 723
Price: Rs 995
This door-stopping monster would be better described as a history of India’s scientific research establishment with a special focus on one individual, rather than a biography. Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909-1966) died in a plane crash in January 1966, the day before Indira Gandhi was sworn in as Prime Minister. He was one of a small cohort of experts instrumental in shaping India’s relationship with science, playing a crucial role as organiser, administrator and evangelist.
He coaxed and cajoled the Tatas into creating the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research