Control of Transcription (Basic Life Sciences)

In numerous conversations with our colleagues from India, it was suggested that we help to institute a series of symposia in India similar in nature to those that have been conducted by our Latin American colleagues for more than 10 years. We were fortunate to have with us in Oak Ridge Dr. Niyogi and Dr. Mitra from Indian universities. Their close ties with the Bose Institute in Calcutta and the resultant correspondence with the Institute Director, Dr. S. M. Sircar, provided the stimulus for organization of this first Indian symposium, which was held in Calcutta. Under the direction of Dr. Sircar, Dr. B. B. Biswas did an outstandingjob of organizing this conference. Financial support was arranged through Dr. R. R. Ronkin of the United States National Science Foundation, who smoothed the way for the use of PL 480 funds which were approved by the Indian Government for the organization and running of this most valuable symposium. The many Indian scientists who contributed papers and enthusiastically and vigorously entered into the discussions demonstrated the strength of modern science in India. The topic, Control of Transcription, is a timely one, and considerable activity in this area is going on all over the world. The success of this symposium speaks well for the future of these Indian conferences and workshops being planned for the next few years. Again, the worldwide "community of science" is clearly manifested by the close cooperation we have observed in this fruitful and successful symposium.