“After my death, please burn my body and do Not bury. Donate my eyes. Do not declare holiday to any our institutes due to my death. “
A death note and own money for cremation was set aside by this great humanitarian and visionary with a committee of students and well wishers to execute it. Probably, it might be wrong to introduce a great person with a note on death. But there is so much to learn even at this stage from this inspiring individual which means, it’s beyond our imagination to completely understand the achievements and value system of this individual. This was Dr. H Narasimhaiah, icon of scientific beliefs, enabler of education to many, worshipper of work and one of the simplest human beings, yet so outstanding by his achievements.
H Narasimhaiah, popularly known as Dr HN, was a Freedom Fighter, Excellent Teacher with a Doctorate in Nuclear Science from Ohio University, Educational Reformer, popularly known as Visionary Educator, Social Reformer, Scientific Thinker, Witty and Humorous and above all a great human being.
WOW! so many roles in a life time … appears impossible for most of us and we feel ourselves great by just managing our career and family.
Dr HN, born in a poor family on 6th June, 1921, grew up to become a Great Academician, Scientific Thinker, Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University. Inspite of excellent educational background, a Doctorate from Ohio University with research offers, prestigious role of Vice Chancellor, yet he lived the life of great simplicity. He lived in the college hostel – a single room accommodation, and the only vehicle he owned and used was a cycle otherwise using the public transport. He was recipient of numerous awards such as Padmabhushana from Indian government, Sir MV Award for contribution to scientific purpose, only Indian Fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, USA and many more. All the financial components of his awards were used towards setting up and improving educational institutions.
Dr HN strived and dedicated his life towards education. The institute he worked as teacher, principal and chairman was his life line. Dr. H N was a strong supporter of science and formed a committee to investigate miracles and verifiable superstition which comprised of doctors, scientists, lawyers as members. As part of this committee, he brought to light various conmen prevailing at that point of time in society and victimizing people in the name of religious miracles and superstitious beliefs.
One of the well known contributions of Dr HN was Bangalore Science Forum which he set up to promote the cause of Science. He also set up Bangalore Social Science Forum, Gandhi Adhyayana Kendra, Sevasangha for Social service and many such social bodies to promote science, social welfare, education etc.
It’s very normal for us to change our life styles and way of living as we reach new stages of our career and financial status. But this was a man who led a simple life at every stage of his life – student, teacher, principal, scientist, vice chancellor, Member of legislative assembly etc. I think that’s why it’s very aptly said in one of our Subhashitas (Moral /good sayings) –
“सम्पत्तौ च विपत्तौ च महतामेकरूपता”
Sampattau cha Vipattau cha Mahataamekaroopataa
In good and bad times, great people remain same.
Great individuals such as Dr. H N did not change with distress, wealth, happiness and led a life of simplicity always constantly contributing to the development of the fellow individuals
I see youngsters take pride in being supersitious. I see people do things just to fit in society. These r people who don't question things. It is painful to see people be so unscientific in this age. Why r we like this?
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