In 1944 the physicist Homi Bhabha wrote to the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. He asked for funds to create “a school of physics comparable to the best anywhere in the world.” J.R.D. Tata had suggested that he write to the trust’s chairman, and Tata backed the proposal. The funds were sanctioned at once.
The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research began work on June 1, 1945.