Father of Fiber Optics: PM Modi Hails Narinder Singh Kapany’s Legacy
PM Modi pays tribute to Narinder Singh Kapany, the Father of Fiber Optics, ahead of his 100th birth anniversary, highlighting his global impact.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid a glowing tribute to the legendary scientist Narinder Singh Kapany, recognizing him as the "Father of Fiber Optics." Speaking during the 139th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister highlighted Kapany's monumental contributions to modern communication technology ahead of the scientist's 100th birth anniversary on October 31.
Born in the Moga district of Punjab, Narinder Singh Kapany’s work laid the very foundation for the digital age. PM Modi emphasized that the current era of high-speed internet and seamless digital connectivity would be nearly impossible to imagine without the breakthroughs achieved by Kapany.
An Inspiration for India's Youth
While paying his respects, PM Modi urged the younger generation to delve into the lives and achievements of Indian scientists who have left a lasting mark on the global stage. He encouraged youth to draw inspiration from Kapany’s journey and his dedication to scientific discovery, noting that such legacies serve as a catalyst for future innovation.
The Science That Changed the World
Narinder Singh Kapany's journey into physics began at Agra University before he moved to Imperial College London for further studies. His pioneering research focused on the transmission of light through flexible materials, a feat achieved through the principle of total internal reflection.
In simple terms, this principle ensures that when light hits a medium like glass at an angle greater than a specific "critical" angle, it does not bend outward but reflects back into the medium. This allows light to travel long distances through a fiber, even if the material is curved or bent.
The Invention of the Fiberscope
Applying this theory, Kapany developed the "Fiberscope," a flexible device comprising multiple optical fibers capable of transmitting both light and images. This invention was a game-changer, particularly in the medical field, where it paved the way for endoscopy and other minimally invasive procedures.
From Lab to Market: An Entrepreneurial Spirit
Kapany was not only a visionary scientist but also a successful entrepreneur. In 1960, he founded Optics Technology Inc., serving as its Chairman, President, and Director of Research for over ten years. His leadership helped transition optical theories into commercial technologies that could be used worldwide.
While later physicists like Charles K. Kao—who eventually won the Nobel Prize—solved the challenges of long-distance signal transmission, Kapany's early work provided the essential groundwork for those advancements.
A Legacy Recognized
Though much of his work remained under the radar for years, Fortune magazine eventually recognized him as one of the seven "Unsung Heroes of the 20th century."
Narinder Singh Kapany passed away on December 4, 2020. In recognition of his extraordinary service to science and humanity, he was posthumously honored with the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards.