Dr.Stephen Hawking came to College Station,our own Aggieland on April 5th,2010.An auditorium is named after Dr.Hawking in Texas A&M University's Department of Physics. Dr.Hawking came to attend this function and gave a lecture on the same day.I could manage to get a ticket for the lecture.The organizers were expecting a general crowd including the local community, and the students from Texas A&M University.I missed a lecture earlier by Sir Roger Penrose,so I was sure in my mind that I shouldn't miss this opportunity.I should confess that I knew a very little about Dr.Stephen Hawking before the lecture .He was more like a celebrity for me(I know this sounds foolish!).The lecture was about the "Black holes".
(Photograph by Sidharth)
It was one of the greatest moments in my life when I saw one of the legends in Physics.He started his lecture asking "Can you hear me?".I was stuck for a moment!He started talking about black holes and it was a lecture for the layman.The concept of black holes and the theories behind it seem to be so complicated;but he didn't go into much detail.I got a good idea about the 'event horizon','singularity' etc.His sense of humor was clear throughout his lecture.He explained the history of black holes,and also about the change in his argument that black hole will swallow everything that falls into them.After listening to the lecture I could understand that it is difficult to get the original information back.He concluded his speech saying that"if you feel you are in a black hole,don't give up.There is a way out!".
The audience gave a standing ovation after his lecture.He deserved it.One of the greatest minds of all time..but he is no longer a celebrity for me..he is a true legend! After coming home, I listened to many of his lectures, comments, interviews and documentaries. He is a true legend;the way he works,his strong determination in life and the like.I was thinking about sharing my experience and now I am contended..I saw Dr.Hawking!!!
