Development of scientific institutions in post-colonial India was driven by a patriotic conviction that science and technology will lead to prosperity for the underdeveloped and impoverished nation. At the same time, global political alignments and vivid memories of colonial exploitation led to a protectionist policy for the fledgling domestic industry. This protectionism spilled over to basic science enterprises as well and blended seamlessly with the prevailing feudal patronage system. An unintended casualty of this spillage was an uncompromising commitment to excellence, the key ingredient for developing a robust scientific culture. In such a weakened state Indian science became easy prey to political influence-peddling and what is now an institutionalized lack of accountability. Finding a national consensus to dismantle the apparatus of patronage and protectionism is an essential step towards initiating a much-needed rescue process today, when the country and its Government are able and willing to allocate vast financial resources towards the development of science and technology in the country.
