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- ) Karamjeet Singh, the programme will also be dedicated to the 450th anniversary of Sri Amritsar Sahib, bringing together the celebration of scientific excellence and the city’s rich historical heritage.
- at the Senate Hall in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, will celebrate the scientific legacy of Dr.
- Beyond commemorating an individual achievement, the university hopes the programme will encourage students and young researchers to explore opportunities in scientific research and technological development.
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) will pay tribute to the pioneering scientist Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany, whose revolutionary work in fibre optics transformed global communication, with a special commemorative programme marking his 100th birth anniversary on October 31.
The event, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Senate Hall in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, will celebrate the scientific legacy of Dr. Kapany, whose contributions laid the foundation for technologies that power modern telecommunications, high-speed internet and medical imaging.
Organised under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, the programme will also be dedicated to the 450th anniversary of Sri Amritsar Sahib, bringing together the celebration of scientific excellence and the city’s rich historical heritage.
Dr. Kapany, often hailed as the father of fibre optics, was among the first scientists to demonstrate how light could be transmitted through flexible optical fibres. His groundbreaking research helped pave the way for technological advances that have fundamentally changed how information is transmitted across the world.
Providing details of the programme, coordinator Dr. Ravinder Kumar said the university sought to introduce younger generations to the extraordinary achievements of a scientist whose discoveries continue to influence everyday life.
He said the memorial lecture would offer an opportunity to examine Dr. Kapany’s scientific journey, his pioneering experiments and the far-reaching impact of his work on contemporary communication systems. The programme’s dedication to the 450th anniversary of Sri Amritsar Sahib would also lend historical significance to the academic gathering, he added.
A key highlight of the event will be an address by Dr. Shivanand Kanavi, former vice-president of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and currently adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. His keynote lecture is expected to offer insights into Dr. Kapany’s scientific contributions and their continuing relevance in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The proceedings will open with a welcome address, followed by the presidential address of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh. A documentary tracing Dr. Kapany’s life, scientific achievements and enduring influence will also be screened.
Two expert lectures will further explore the evolution of fibre optics and its applications across diverse fields, highlighting how early scientific breakthroughs continue to shape technological innovation.
Beyond commemorating an individual achievement, the university hopes the programme will encourage students and young researchers to explore opportunities in scientific research and technological development.
The initiative also reflects GNDU’s emphasis on fostering a culture of innovation and recognising scientists of Indian origin whose contributions have earned international distinction.
As the world becomes increasingly dependent on fibre-optic networks for seamless connectivity, Dr. Kapany’s legacy remains a testament to the transformative power of scientific curiosity and innovation. Through the centenary commemoration, GNDU seeks to celebrate that legacy while inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.
