Patna (Bihar): Once known as the mathematical genius; who had reportedly 'challenged Einstein's theories through his work', Vashishtha Narayan Singh, died after a prolonged illness at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Thursday morning. He was 77.
For the past several weeks, Singh had been suffering from age-related ailments and passed away at the PMCH, spending his final moments amongst his relatives.
Eminent Mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh passes into oblivion! Though he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a few years after his marriage in 1974, Singh continued to make his contributions to the field of mathematics.Hailing from modest beginnings, Singh's intellect came into the spotlight during his stint at Patna University. This particular achievement has been highlighted in his school's website - Netarhat School, hailing him as one of the most distinguished alumni.
He was born at a remote village in Bihar's Basantpur on April 2, 1942.
'...Vashistha Narayan Singh distinguished himself to such an extent there the Patna University allowed him to appear at B.Sc. (Hons.) in Mathematics the very year after he passed his Higher Secondary Examination...,' states the website.
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Later, Singh's talent was recognised by renowned mathematician John L. Kelley, which in turn resulted in the former pursuing his doctorate at the University of California. He got his PhD in 'Reproducing Kernels and Operators with a Cyclic Vector' in 1969.
After working abroad, including NASA, Singh returned to India in 1972 and had taught at several national institutes of excellence, before being diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Singh had taught at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata.
He was also a visiting professor at B N Mandal University, Madhepura.
According to reports, he was admitted to a hospital for treatment, and had escaped the facility in 1992. A few weeks later, he was found sitting under a tree in Siwan and was said to exhibit 'unreasonable outbursts and mental breakdowns'.
Though his death was condoled by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who termed it as 'an irreparable loss to the state and the country' and announced that he would be cremated with state honours, followed by several others, his family members chose to highlight the issue of indifference.
In a video, Singh's brother claimed that the hospital had failed to provide them with an ambulance to ferry the mortal remains. "We have no expectations from the authority, we waited for the ambulance for an hour. Hospital authorities handed over the death certificate to us and paid no heed further," said Ayodhya Narayan Singh.
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