George Roerich. "A New Outpost of Science" (1930)
Nicholas Roerich. "Urusvati Himalayan American Scientific Station" (a letter)
Helena Roerich. A letter from 13 October 1930
NICHOLAS ROERICH. "URUSVATI HIMALAYAN
AMERICAN SCIENTIFIC STATION"
"On August 5th a letter reached me from Mr. Louis L. Horch, President of the Roerich Museum, Master Institute of United Arts and Corona Mundi, International Art Center, of New York, informing me that a group of Americans is anxious to establish a Scientific Station on the foot-hills of the Himalayas. There it is hoped to cultivate those healing plants for which these places are so famed as well as to conduct scientific observations.
The letter also expresses deep confidence that the Anglo-Indian Government will not refuse its closest cooperation with this highly cultural undertaking, which will be a true monument for the benefit of humanity.
In view of my presence in India , the American group asks my assistance and cooperation in organizing this and in acquiring land for this purpose.
Further details of this splendid and humane project, dedicated to universal science, were brought to me by Mrs. Sina Lichtmann, Director of the Master Institute of United Arts, and Miss Frances R. Grant, Vice-President of the Roerich Museum, on their arrival in India on August 13th, 1928.
As you see, the object of the Scientific Station will be research in the fields of Natural Science and Philology. A plantation, scientifically conducted, can yield highly significant results in the fields of medicine. The altitude of the Himalayas also furnishes unique opportunity for physical research.
Our list of those whom we are to invite to cooperate in the works of the Scientific Station comprises names of renown. We are also inviting the cooperation of
Sir Dennison Ors, eminent Orientalist
Sir Aural Stein, eminent Orientalists
M. Jacques Bacot, Sorbonne University
Dr. A. Einstein, eminent Scientist
Dr. Michael Pupin, Columbia University
Prof. Milliken, University of California
In regard to the site of the Station, I believe that the Sikkimese Section of the Himalayas and even the British Kumnon though very well fitted for cultivation, would present serious difficulties due to the heavy monsoons. Therefor in my opinion the best suited section of the Himalayas, offering at once the altitude and fertility, should be close to Sutlej , not far from Simla. This locality is admirably adapted not only by its unique natural resources but because of its proximity to such a center as Simla with all its scientific and educational possibilities.
We anticipate close cooperation with the Bose Institute of Biology of which I am a member.
Great Britain has always been the patron of culture and Science and we are confident that this plan will have the protection of His Excellency the Viceroy and the assistance of the Anglo-Indian Government".
(signed) Nicholas Roerich
Darjeeling
Sept. 8, 1928
