I strongly believe that fundamental science cannot be driven by instructional, industrial and government or military pressures. This was the reason why I decided, as far as possible, not to accept money from the to run of grow a good institution without funds.... I therefore will not put it as a condition that no government funds should be accepted by the Institute.

His statement to his fellow scientist before his death in 1970. Quoted in**Parameswaran, Uma (2011). C.V. Raman: A Biography. Penguin Books India. ISBN 978-0-14-306689-7.