Hyderabad: The death of Stephen Hawking left many scientists and academics in grief. Some of them recounted their personal association with the renowned scientist.
Prof Ashoke Sen of HCRI Allahabad was made Fellow of the Royal Society in 1998 after being nominated by none other than Stephen Hawking. He told Deccan Chronicle, “I have met him at various conferences and seminars, and have been deeply impressed by his determination despite all odds. However, the influence that his research has had on me has been far more important.”
Prof Gautam Mandal of TIFR Mumbai said it was an inspiration to see a man in his wheelchair with body immobile, but with twinkling eyes and zestful vibrant spirit. He had met Hawking several times.
Prof Mustansir Barma of TIFR Hyderabad said it was possible only for Hawking to get an auditorium full while speaking on an arcane subject like String Theory.
He added that during Hawking’s visit to India in 2001 he was awarded the first Sarojini Damodaran Fellowship in Mumbai.
