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NASA, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella mourn Stephen Hawking’s death

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Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. (Photo: AFP/File)


Several eminent personalities, scientist and tech honchos on Wednesday mourned the demise of physicist Stephen Hawking.

“We lost a great one today. Stephen Hawking will be remembered for his incredible contributions to science – making complex theories and concepts more accessible to the masses,” tweeted Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

“He’ll also be remembered for his spirit and unbounded pursuit to gain a complete understanding of the universe, despite the obstacles he faced. May he rest peacefully as his legacy and brilliance live on,” Nadella added.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai tweeted: “The world has lost a beautiful mind and a brilliant scientist. RIP Stephen Hawking”.

Renowned American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson took to Twitter to express grief, saying, “His passing has left an intellectual vacuum in his wake. But it’s not empty. Think of it as a kind of vacuum energy permeating the fabric of spacetime that defies measure. Stephen Hawking, RIP 1942-2018”.

NASA shared a video in remembrance of Stephen Hawking and his contribution.

On the news of Hawking’s death, veteran American television and radio host Larry King recalled the instance when he interviewed him and said, “He was inspirational, always optimistic and had a wicked sense of humour too. Humanity is richer for his life and curiosity. Rest well dear professor.”

Hawking, who shaped modern cosmology and inspired millions died owing to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – a progressive neuro-degenerative disease.

Hawking is survived by three children — Robert, Lucy and Timothy — from his first marriage to Jane Wilde, and three grandchildren.

President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed their expressed grief over the demise of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Professor Stephen Hawking.

In a message on Twitter, Kovind said: “Sad to hear of the passing of scientist Stephen Hawking. His brilliant mind made our world and our universe a less mysterious place. And his courage and resilience will remain an inspiration for generations.”

While PM Modi tweeted; “Professor Stephen Hawking was an outstanding scientist and academic. His grit and tenacity inspired people all over the world. His demise is anguishing. Professor Hawking’s pioneering work made our world a better place. May his soul rest in peace”.

Famous sand artist from Odisha, Sudarsan Pattnaik paid his tribute to the legend in his own style — with a sand art at the Puri beach.

 

Hawking  was Credited for shaping modern cosmology and inspiring millions despite suffering from a life-threatening condition. Hawking died at the age of 76.

His family released a statement in the early hours of Wednesday confirming his death at his home in Cambridge, The Guardian reported.

Hawking is survived by three children — Robert, Lucy and Timothy — from his first marriage to Jane Wilde, and three grandchildren.

Hawking was born on Januart 8, 1942 in Oxford, England.

Known the world over for his acclaimed book “A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes”, Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — a progressive neuro-degenerative disease — in 1963 at age 21.

Hawking’s doctors gave him nearly two years to live but he defied the medical history and survived for decades.

For the rest of his life, the physicist used a wheelchair to move around and a speech synthesizer that allowed him to speak in a computerised voice with an American accent.

(with agency inputs)

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