Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking, was a British theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge.

Despite his poor grades, both his teachers and his peers seemed to understand that they had a future genius among them, evidenced by the fact that his nickname was “Einstein.”

Now, Imagine this scenario with regards to Indian educational system, where everything is grades and grades and grades and nothing else!!!

Professor Stephen Hawking has thirteen honorary degrees. He was awarded CBE (1982), Companion of Honour (1989) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2009). He is the recipient of many awards, medals and prizes, most notably the Fundamental Physics prize (2013), Copley Medal (2006) and the Wolf Foundation prize (1988).

Another interesting point is that his father wanted him to study medicines, but he was not interested in it.

Imagine! Had he been compelled and pressurised, as is the case with many parents in India, where the parents decide the course of line for their kids to pursue and carry?

Sadly,
In 1963 Stephen was diagnosed with ALS, a form of Motor Neurone Disease, shortly after his 21st birthday. In spite of being wheelchair-bound and dependent on a computerised voice system for communication Stephen continues to combine family life (he has three children and three grandchildren) with his research into theoretical physics, in addition to an extensive programme of travel and public lectures.
He was told by doctors at 21 that he’ll live for very few years only but as we know that he died today at the age of 76 years, adds to another motivation that even if you have little years to live, as per doctors, based on your medical situation, you may live and not only live, you exist and you made your presence a valuable asset in the field of knowledge.
Being paralysed, he was able to achieve ample, substantial amount of attainments, and hence igniting once again the spirit that if your mind has not accepted the defeat and you have the will, then despite of circumstances you will accomplish!

As I am closing this down, what’s coming to my mind is the beautiful ayat of His Book Divine –

Allamal insaana maalam yaalam.
“Taught humankind which they knew not.”
Surah Alaq ayat 5

Indeed, knowledge is a blessing, it makes us marvel the wonderful things of life and universe, being curious is the key to learn and unlearn and learn again, but this learning should not be confined to *when*, *how*, *why* only, it should reach another curiosity level – *Who* is The Ultimate One to carry this all amazing, astounding, awesome breathtaking, sensational, remarkable, spectacular things and events marvelously?