Facilities of TIFR and School of Mathematics

LIBRARY

The TIFR library is presently located in two spacious sections, one of which holds journals and the other books and monographs. The journal section, which faces the sea, is a comfortable place to read and study. The library stocks more than 1,00,000 volumes, including books, journals and microfilms. It subscribes to some 700 national and international research journals, and is equipped with modern facilities such as a collection of journals on CD-ROM's. The library holdings are totally computerized, enabling the user to make online searches of the database from any computer in the Institute.

A complete Desk-Top Publishing (DTP) system along with animation facilities is part of the library. There is also a Photography Section for the manufacture and duplication of images for scientific presentation.

COMPUTERS

The School of Mathematics has its own network of computers. Our main servers are a Intel-based IBM and DELL machines running Linux. One server is for computations, a Xeon with 9 GB RAM and many mathematics-related programs. Another server is our webserver, that holds the pages of the School's website and several mirrors of mathematical and computer interest. The file server is again an IBM machine.

There are several laser printers available (one in colour) and a scanner.

Software includes TeX/LATeX, C and Fortran compilers, Mathematica, Macaulay, Pari/GP and most of GNU programs.

Besides that all offices have one computer, Intel-based, typically a Pentium 4 or Core (2) Duo, with a 17 in monitor. We upgrade our computers regularly to maintain decent facilities for the members of the School.

All computers of the School are connected in a LAN with 100 Mbps switches, as part of the Institute's network, protected from outside access by different methods. There is also a wireless network to connect laptops and other devices.

The Institute is connected to the Internet with a 34 Mbps link.

HOUSING AND CANTEENS

Postdoctoral Fellows get small flats in a building meant for that purpose. The rent is nominal (around 200 Indian rupees per month). Flats are fully furnished, including a kitchen with a gas stove and refrigerator.

TIFR has two canteens, where meals are served throughout the day. Being subsidized by the Institute, food is available at affordable prices.

RECREATION

TIFR has a large Recreation Centre which was endowed by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. This is equipped with a modern gymnasium where physical fitness courses are conducted, a room for yogic exercise, table-tennis tables and badminton courts. The Institute also has a Sports Club which manages its sporting activities.

There are two clubs in the Institute. One of them, Images, is the Film Club of TIFR; movies are projected every fortnight. The other club, AMA, is dedicated to classical Indian music.

SURROUNDINGS

Homi Bhabha's love of nature and esthetics is reflected in the pleasant and harmonious landscaping of the main campus. The buildings are set among manicured lawns. A seashore pathway provides the opportunity for a stroll by the Arabian sea.

ART COLLECTION

TIFR houses one of the finest collections of contemporary Indian painting and sculpture. These are displayed in the main lobby area, the auditorium foyer and at various other locations.

AUDITORIUM

The Homi Bhabha Auditorium, inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1968, is fully air conditioned and seats just over 1000 people. It features all modern facilities required for a professional auditorium, including elaborate sound and lighting arrangements, projection facilities, and a stage with a large proscenium opening and various backdrops. Since it was commissioned, the Auditorium has been extensively used both by the Institute and by other organizations for conferences, scientific lectures, stage plays, films and programmes of music and dance.