email forwarded by Lakshman Karalliedde
Gyan (Knowledge):
Jamshedji
Nusserwanji Tata was once, traveling to Germany. As he stood there, at the door
of his First Class Cabin in the Steamliner, he noticed a lot of activity on the
lower decks of the Ship.
On
inquiring, he learned that a great Indian Saint, Shri Swami Vivekananda, was on
board the same ship. Out of genuine respect and curiosity, J.N. Tata decided to
pay a visit to the great saint.
Swami
Vivekananda had, of course, heard about the respected industrialist. As the
conversation grew J.N. Tata explained that he was on his way to Germany.
"I have with me sacks of soil: From various parts of India. I am taking
these samples of soil to Germany. I wish to know if Iron can be extracted
profitably from any of these districts." said J.N. Tata to the Saint.
To
which Swami Vivekananda replied, "Well, Sir, Even if these sacks contain
Iron-rich soil, do you honestly believe that the Germans will tell you the
TRUTH??? You must understand that No / NONE of the European Nations wish to see
a Strong / Steel-Rich / Economically Independent India. The soil is probably
rich in Iron-ore but the sad truth is all you will get from your inquiries
across Europe is Disbelief and Pessimistic reactions."
Needless
to say, having interacted with several Europeans J.N. Tata knew this to be
true. Swami Vivekananda continued, "Why don't you start an excellent /
up-to-date Research Facility and College here in India??? Why don't you train
some good Indian Youngsters to identify soil and conduct these tests and find
ways of profitably extracting metals??? It may seem like a wasteful; burdensome
expenditure right now, But in the long run - It will save you many trips to
Europe and you can have the assurance of knowing the Truth quickly - rather
than taking multiple opinions due to Doubt".
As he
could clearly sense J.N. Tata's mood was in acquiescence, he further
elaborated, "Seek an audience with the Maharaja of Mysore H.R.H. Wodeyar.
Though a subordinate of the British, he will definitely help you in every way
he can. H.R.H. Wodeyar has been generous enough to sponsor my own trip to
Chicago to attend the Parliament of Religions".
As soon
as he returned to India, J.N. Tata headed straight for Mysore. And indeed,
H.R.H. Chamraja Wodeyar did Not disappoint him. The King granted 370 acres of
land for the setting up of the Research Facility and College that J.N. Tata had
envisioned and it was named, THE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE.
