Stephen William Hawking M PADMA LALITHA SHARADA

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Class V English

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Exactly three hundred years after the death of the great scientist Galileo, Stephen William Hawking was born in Oxford, England on 8th January, 1942.

Stephen Hawking Childhood Photo

Little did his parents know that Stephen would be hailed as one of the greatest scientists of this century.

Stephen Hawking as a baby Stephen Hawking, aged 12

After schooling, Stephen joined University College, Oxford and studied Physics. After obtaining a first class degree in Natural Sciences, he went to Cambridge to do research.

Since 1979, he has held the post of professor of Mathematics, the one held by Isaac Newton in 1663.

Man of Science Isaac Newton

At the age of 17, Stephen started noticing that he was becoming increasingly clumsy and even fell down a couple of times, for no reason.

Hawking, without his wheelchair, floating weightless in the air inside a plane

Hawking on graduation day in 1962

Shortly after his 21st birthday, he was taken to hospital and made to undergo a number of tests. He was shocked, when he realized he had an incurable disease, a type of sclerosis, which weakened his muscles.

He went back to Cambridge and carried on his research. He was not able to make much progress.

The physicians predicted an early death for him.

Cambridge University

He thought that he might not live for long and that his PhD would never be completed. However he finished it.

Before suffering Suffering ill health Hawking at NASA

As his scientific reputation increased, his disability got worse. Even feeding himself and getting in and out of bed became difficult.

In 1980, he had to rely upon nurses. In 1985 he underwent an operation in the wind-pipe. After this, he needed 24 hours nursing care.

Before the operation, his speech was not clear, but at least he could communicate. But the operation distanced him from his ability to speak altogether.

However, a computer programme specially devised for him, helped him communicate. Using this programme, a book has been written, and dozens of scientific papers have been presented.

Picture of a screen used by

Stephen Hawking as he

composes his thoughts for

vocalisation

Many scientific talks have also been given. He was awarded medals and prizes. He has twelve honorary degrees to his credit.

Obama Honors Sixteen With Congressional Medal Of Freedom

Stephen Hawking was awarded Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth the II in person. So he is Sir Stephen Hawking

Hawking’s Honorary degrees

Computer and

speech synthesiser

housing used by

Stephen Hawking,

1999

Stephen Hawking’s life long illness has not prevented him from having a very happy life, and being successful in his work. He continues his research in Physics.

Stephen Hawking works in his office at the University of

Cambridge

He has been travelling and delivering public lectures though it requires a great mental and physical effort. Stephen has exhibited remarkable survival skills and has dared to defy misfortune.

From the life of Stephen Hawking, it is

understood that one need not lose hope.

His life is an example that disability need not prevent one from reaching great heights.

Stephen Hawking's Brilliant Plan To Find A New Earth

Stephen Hawking recently explained the theory of black holes at a lecture in London.

Grit and determination are his formulae to overcome crises. If there is a will, one

needs hardly to struggle to find a way. For, the mind can triumph over matter!

While Stephen William Hawking inspired the whole world with his uncrushable spirit and will power, do you know, who inspired him reach such great heights?

He is none other than his Mathematics teacher, DikranTahta.

Stephen Hawking with his Mathematics Teacher Dikran Tahta

Stephen Hawking’s theories on black holes became the subject of television specials, such as “Stephen Hawking’s Universe” on PBS.

In honor of Dr. Stephen Hawking, the COSMOS center will be creating the most detailed 3D mapping effort of the Universe to date.

Sharada