Speeches of Alagappa Chettiar

Message from Dr. Chettiar to the Press:

Dr. Bhatnagar has passed away. Along with him has gone the enthusiasm, drive and organized ability of a man of science in India has lost its pillar of support. Scientist and statesman so beautifully integrated as Dr. Bhatnagar. The Nation Laboratories owe their existence and rich growth to this one man, Dr. Bhatnagar. He was every sense a live wire as Mr. Nehru describes him and none will mourn his loss aware that the emphasis that the Prime Minister laid on the National Laboratories and Scientific research was equal to the importance he attached to the foreign policy.

The University Grants Commission, is yet in its infancy and it has now been orphaned by the passing way of its first Chairman. I have lost my greatest guide and support. The location, birth and growth of Central Electro-Chemical Research Laboratory at Karaikudi reads like a romance and adventure. That institute and other Laboratories will ever be standing monuments to his greatness and serve in the sphere of scientific research. India is poorer for Dr. Bhatnagar's loss. May his soul rest in peace.

Sd. RM. Alagappa Chettiar

6-1-1955