This Indian Mathematician, Worked At NASA, Challenged Einstein’s Theory – News18

Last Updated:February 07, 2025, 14:11 IST

Vashishtha Narayan Singh, a mathematical prodigy from Bihar’s Siwan district, secured research positions at IIT and UC Berkeley by the age of 21.

The life of Vashishtha Narayan Singh is a compelling story of genius, ambition, and the unfortunate twists of fate. Born in a remote village in Bihar’s Siwan district, he exhibited extraordinary mathematical talent from a young age, astonishing teachers and scholars alike. By the time he was 21, he had already secured prestigious positions as a visiting fellow at renowned institutions such as IIT and the University of California, Berkeley. However, despite reaching incredible heights in the field of mathematics, his journey was deeply affected by struggles with mental health. His story serves as both an inspiration and a reflection on how even the brightest minds can face unforeseen challenges that shape their destiny.

A Prodigy’s Journey to Academic Excellence

Vashishtha Narayan Singh was born into a humble family—his father served as a police constable. His academic journey began at Netarhat School in Jharkhand, where he quickly gained recognition for his mathematical prowess. He then pursued higher education at Patna Science College, where his exceptional abilities earned him special attention. Recognising his potential, the college principal ensured he received an accelerated learning plan, leading to his doctorate in mathematics in 1969. Singh excelled in his BSc and MSc, securing top ranks before emerging as the highest scorer in the UGC’s unified JRF exam in 1964.

Despite his promising academic career, his battle with mental illness drastically altered his path. Once seen as a rising star in the world of mathematics, he eventually became a ‘what-could-have-been’ in history, his brilliance dimmed by his deteriorating health.

A Mind Beyond Limits

Singh’s genius was recognised on an international scale. Some even claim he questioned not only Einstein’s famous equation, E = MC2, but also Gauss’s mathematical theories.

One widely told story suggests that NASA once sought his expertise when their computers failed, requiring him to perform complex calculations manually. Another account claims he contributed to the Apollo missions, playing a role in NASA’s historic efforts to land a man on the moon.

It was Professor John L. Kelly who first recognised Singh’s potential and extended an invitation for him to study at the University of California, Berkeley. He spent nearly nine years in the United States, further honing his mathematical skills. Upon returning to India, Singh taught at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, including IIT Kanpur, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, and the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata.

A Career Cut Short by Mental Illness

In 1967, Singh was appointed as the Director of Mathematics at Columbia University. Two years later, in 1969, he published The Peace of Space Theory, a paper in which he challenged Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. His groundbreaking work earned him a PhD, and Berkeley University even honoured him with the title of “Genius of Geniuses.”

Singh returned to India in 1971 and, by 1972, joined IIT Kanpur as a professor of mathematics. However, soon after his marriage, he was struck by schizophrenia, a devastating illness that altered the course of his life. His condition led to the breakdown of his marriage and significantly impacted his academic career. As his health declined, he was eventually institutionalised for treatment.

Tragedy struck further when Singh mysteriously disappeared during a train journey, only to resurface years later, living in extreme poverty in his home village.

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Struggles and a Fading Legacy

Singh underwent treatment at NIMHANS in Bengaluru and later at IHBAS in Delhi, with support from actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha. Despite years of hardship, he made an inspiring comeback to academia, securing a position as a lecturer at BNMU Madhepura.

On 14 November 2019, at the age of 72, Singh passed away. In recognition of his contributions to mathematics, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri. His life serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the thin line between genius and tragedy and the profound impact mental health can have on even the brightest minds.