The Indian National Science Academy, was established in January 1935 with the object of promoting science in India. The foundation of the Academy was the outcome of the joint endeavour of several organisations, individuals and the Indian Science Congress Association.

Formerly known the National Institute of Sciences, it first started functioning with its headquarters in Calcutta with Dr. L.L. Fermor as the President. Professor Meghnad Saha was the first Indian President of the Institute. When, in October, 1945; it received recognition by the Government as the premier scientific society representing all branches of science in India, the headquarters moved to Delhi. It assumed  its present  name in February  1970.

The Academy is concerned with problems of national importance  and organises discussion meetings and workshops with participation by leaders in the relevant field. By such activities, the Academy has been able to mobilise opinion and  stimulate  thinking.

The Academy consists of Fellows and Foreign Fellows. At present there are 652 Fellows and 115 Foreign Fellows representing all branches of science. Every year, the Academy confers medals, prizes and lectureships upon eminent scientists in various disciplines. The number of medals, prizes and lectures is now 50. Apart from these, 15-20 young scientists are awarded the INSA Medal for Young Scientists every year. The most prestigious are the four General Medals named after Aryabhata, Chandrashekhara Venkata Raman, Meghnad Saha and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar.

The Academy  has a scheme for recognising and honouring excellence in various areas of science through the institution of Research Professorships and INSA Senior Scientists. In addition, the INS-A visiting Fellowship is awarded to a scientist for collaborative research or for training in specific techniques or utilising facilities not available in their own institutions.

The Academy provides grants for a variety of purposes such as, research in the history of science, medicine and technology etc.

Since the Academy is the adhering organisation in India to the International Council of Scientific Unions and the International Unions affiliated to ICSU, it has constituted National Committees to enable positive implementation of scientific programmes and activities geared to national and  international research development and human welfare. The Inter-Academy Exchange Programme aims at establishing collaborative scientific exchange with different countries of the  world  through  visits  of  scientists on a reciprocal basis.

The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on this premier institution which has a vital role in the development of science and harnessing of scientific knowledge to national welfare; The design of the stamp symbolizes the global dimension of its role and the many areas of scientific and technological  achievement.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India