Abstract

J. B. S. Haldane, one of the architects of the post-Darwinian evolutionary synthesis, can be counted among the greatest scientists of the 20th century. He made significant contributions to biology, physiology and biochemistry. Surprisingly, in 1957, when Haldane was at the height of his fame, he and his wife Helen Spurway (an accomplished geneticist herself) emigrated from Britain to India. They lived here until their deaths, having taken up Indian citizenship in the meanwhile in 1961. They first held positions at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Calcutta (July 1957–February 1961). From there they went on to set up the ‘Genetics and Biometry Laboratory’ in Bhubaneswar (July 1962–December 1964). Haldane succumbed to cancer of the colon there on 1 December 1964. He managed to accomplish a great deal even within his brief residence in India. He concentrated upon setting up a strong base for research in biological sciences and helped to usher positive changes in the set-up of universities and research laboratories. His zeal was such that some of the research projects under his supervision were self-financed. His life and work continue to stimulate and inspire us. It is appropriate that we recall them today, 50 years after his death.

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