He Lives On In Our Hearts, As We Fondly Remember Stephen Hawking's Trip To India In 2001

Professor Stephen Hawking has bid adieu to this world. The brilliant physicist chose Pi Day and Albert Einstein's birthday to breathe his last. Today, the world lost a star but the heavens gained one that will shine on until the end of time.

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As a tribute to one of the greatest minds the universe ever produced, we take a walk down the memory lane to Stephen Hawking's tryst with India. In 2001, Hawking made a trip to India as one of the 300 physicists who came to Mumbai to attend 'Strings 2001¡¯. The event was organised by Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in partnership with several other institutions.

It was during this conference that Hawking was awarded the Sarojini Damodaran Fellowship by TIFR. The award made Hawking one of first three recipients of the prestigious fellowship.

Also read: The Most Celebrated Astrophysicist Of Our Time Stephen Hawking Has Passed Away

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During his stay in Mumbai, Hawking travelled around in a specially redesigned vehicle from Mahindra & Mahindra that accommodated his wheelchair. He even celebrated his 59th birthday on January 8, 2001, at the Oberoi Towers hotel where he resided, reports The Times of India.

Later, he visited Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi and met with the then president, KR Narayanan. He told Narayanan, "Indians are so good at mathematics and physics." He also added that the country had undergone dramatic changes since his last trip in 1959, reported The Hindu.

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Also read: Goodbye Stephen Hawking: 13 Reasons Why We Should Mourn The Loss Of A Brilliant Mind Today

In the national capital, Hawking also delivered a lecture at Siri Fort Auditorium, and also visited Jantar Mantar and Qutb Minar.

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Due to special efforts put in by the Institute of the Physically Handicapped following a letter from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, wooden ramps were already put in place to ensure Hawking had no trouble navigating his way to the monuments he desired to visit.

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Hawking's second visit to India was 17 years ago. But during these 17 years, Hawking's wisdom kept us well informed about the secrets of our universe. As we bid him a farewell, we feel privileged to have had the honour to be alive in his time. Rest in peace, professor.