About

The idea of establishing an organisation of this type germinated from discussions amongst some committed scientists, namely Prof. B.A. Razi (former Professor and Head, Department of Botany, Mysore University),  Prof. M. Shadaksharaswamy (former Principal, Central College, Bangalore) and Prof. T. Ramesan (the then Principal of Central College). They felt that under the umbrella of such an organisation, senior scientists and teachers, especially the retired ones, could work together for the cause of science and its advancement in Karnataka. Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Prof. B.A. Razi and Prof. M. Shadaksharaswamy became the Founder President, Founder Secretary and Founder Treasurer of the new-born Karnataka Association for the Advancement of Science!

The following distinguished professors and researchers were the founder members of KAAS:

Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Prof. B.A. Razi, Prof. T. Ramesan, Prof. M. Shadaksharaswamy, Prof. B.A. Gulam Ahmed, Prof. M. Puttarudraiah, Prof. M.D. Parthasarathy, Dr. T. Ananda Rao, Prof. S.P. Walvekar, Prof. B.A. Razi, Dr. H.C. Govindu, Dr. Y.N. Rama Rao, Rev. Fr. Dr. C.J. Saldhana, Prof. L.S. Ramaswamy, Dr. M.B. Ramachandra Rao, Dr. G.P. Chennabasavanna, Dr. P.S. Chikkannaiah, Dr. B.P. Radhakrishna and Dr. T.N. Ramachandra Rao.

The Government of Karnataka provided a generous grant of Rs. 6 lakhs towards the development of infrastructure and support for the projects undertaken by KAAS scientists. Initially, the Vice-Chancellor, Bangalore University and the Principal, Central College, Bangalore, allowed the Association to function from the asbestos sheet-roofed shed located behind the Mathematics Block of Central College. The University has since provided spacious accommodation in the central building of the city campus and has been supportive of the activities of KAAS.