Narinder Singh Kapany : The world of science and innovation has been graced by many brilliant minds, but some remain unsung heroes, quietly shaping our lives through their groundbreaking contributions. Narinder Singh Kapany, born on 31st October 1926 in Moga, Punjab, is one such remarkable individual who forever altered the landscape of technology. His pioneering work in the field of fiber optics earned him the well-deserved title of the ‘Father of Fiber Optics,’ and his journey is nothing short of inspirational.
Early Life and Research of Narinder Singh Kapany
Narinder Singh Kapany’s journey began in a Sikh family in Moga, Punjab. He completed his early education in Dehradun and later graduated from Agra University. However, it was his insatiable curiosity and passion for optics that would propel him towards greatness. Before embarking on his journey in academia, Kapany served as an Indian Ordnance Factories Service officer.
In 1952, Kapany’s quest for knowledge led him to Imperial College London, where he embarked on a Ph.D. degree in optics from the University of London. It was during this time that he teamed up with Harold Hopkins and achieved a significant breakthrough in the transmission of images through optical fibers. Their groundbreaking work in 1953 allowed for the transmission of high-quality images, a feat previously thought to be impossible. This pivotal moment marked the birth of fiber optics as we know it today.
Kapany’s contributions didn’t stop there; he went on to popularize the term ‘fiber optics’ through an article in Scientific American in 1960. He authored the first book on this emerging field and became its most prominent researcher, advocate, and spokesperson.
His research extended beyond fiber optics to include lasers, biomedical instrumentation, solar energy, and pollution monitoring. Narinder Singh Kapany held over 120 patents and was a member of esteemed scientific societies, including the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Optical Society of America, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Career
Narinder Singh Kapany was not just a brilliant scientist but also an astute entrepreneur and business executive. In 1960, he founded Optics Technology Inc., where he served as chairman of the board, president, and director of research for twelve years. The company’s success led to numerous corporate acquisitions and joint ventures both in the United States and abroad.
His entrepreneurial journey continued with the founding of Kaptron Inc. in 1973, where he served as president and CEO until 1990, when he sold the company to AMP Incorporated. Narinder Singh Kapany then became an AMP Fellow, heading the Entrepreneur & Technical Expert Program and serving as chief technologist for global communications business.
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Kapany played a significant role in academia. He was a regents professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Kapany’s commitment to fostering innovation led to the establishment of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development (CIED) at UCSC, where he served as director for seven years.
Philanthropy and Art
Beyond his scientific and business achievements, Narinder Singh Kapany was a dedicated philanthropist with a deep appreciation for art. He was the founding chairman of the Sikh Foundation and a major contributor to its activities for over five decades. The foundation collaborates with international institutions and publishers to promote Sikh culture in academia and the arts.
Kapany’s philanthropic legacy extended to the academic realm, where he endowed a Chair of Sikh Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1998. His generous gift of $500,000 to the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco in 1999 established a gallery to display Sikh art from his collection.
In 1999, he also endowed a Chair of Optoelectronics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, further cementing his commitment to advancing education and research. He served as a trustee of the University of California, Santa Cruz Foundation and the Menlo School in Menlo Park, California.
Kapany’s passion for Sikh art was evident through his extensive collection, and he contributed paintings and artifacts to exhibitions like “Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms” held at prestigious institutions, including London’s Victoria & Albert Museum and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
Narinder Singh Kapany As An Artist
As an artist himself, Kapany’s dynoptic sculptures were featured in various museums and art galleries, including the Exploratorium of the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, Chicago, Monterey, Palo Alto, and Stanford.
Awards and Recognitions
Narinder Singh Kapany’s exceptional contributions to science, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy garnered him numerous awards and recognitions. Posthumously, in 2021, he was honored with India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan. In 2008, he received the UC Santa Cruz Foundation Fiat Lux Award, celebrating his dedication to innovation and education.
His list of accolades includes the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2004, “The Excellence 2000 Award” from the USA Pan-Asian American Chamber of Commerce in 1998, and recognition by Fortune as one of the seven “unsung heroes who greatly influenced life in the twentieth century.” Time Magazine also acknowledged him as one of the top ten scientists of the 20th century in its final issue of 1999.
Personal Life
In 1954, Narinder Singh Kapany married Satinder Kaur in London. Their partnership endured until her passing in 2016.
Legacy
Narinder Singh Kapany’s legacy lives on, not only through his pioneering work in fiber optics but also through his commitment to education, philanthropy, and the arts. He exemplifies the power of an inquisitive mind and unwavering determination to make the world a better place. His story serves as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come, reminding us that true greatness lies in our ability to combine knowledge, innovation, and compassion to shape a brighter future.
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