The other Stephen Hawking

THE passing-away of Stephen Hawking is a great loss to mankind. As a theoretical physicist, he has contributed a lot to the domains of cosmology and general relativity. His extended interpretations of the quantum gravity had helped scientists understand the modern space science more clearly. In short, Hawking accomplished a revolution in the multi-layered discipline of cosmology.

Few people know about some other sides of the life of Stephen Hawking. That the celebrated scientist remained vocal about the persecuted peoples around the globe remains little publicised. Throughout his life, Hawking stood by the browbeaten and terrorised Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank. Ironically, it was his native country Britain that played a pioneering role in the creation of Israel in 1948. In reality this event led to the 20th century Palestinian crisis, triggering the eviction of Palestinians from their own country. Stephen Hawking apparently found it hard to accept the atrocious act. Being a scientist with great human qualities, he felt the pricks of conscience quite acutely. He supported the Palestinians' right to resistance and backed the measures aimed at boycotting Israel.

Hawking nurtured many other in-born qualities. His was a mind with a liberal philosopher's bend. In spite of his physical limitations, he was full of energy mentally. He would loathe idling time away in daydreaming. Still he was fond of clean fun and had a flair for wit and humour.

K.M. Kaisar

Uttara, Dhaka