The Story of God’s own Physicist: E C G Sudarshan - Liya Bobby

Ennackal Chandy George Sudarshan (1931–2018) shortly known as E C G Sudarshan was born in Kottayam, Kerala in 1931. He studied at CMS College in his hometown before attending the University of Madras and later the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). He later studied and taught at the University of Rochester and then at the University of Texas at Austin, where he taught for over 40 years. 

Sudarshan was India’s best known theoretical physicist, renowned for his contributions in several areas of physics, such as the V-A theory of the weak force and quantum optics, as well as the first scientist to challenge Albert Einstein's theory, with his proposal of the existence of 'tachyons', particles that travel faster than light. His laurels of glory include being awarded the Dirac Medal of the ICTP in 2010, the Padma Vibhushan – second highest civilian award from the government of India – in 2007 and Kerala Sastra Puraskaram for lifetime accomplishments in science in 2013.

E C G Sudarshan grew up in an academic home but nobody in his family had a science background. Physics and mathematics were always his subject of interest and seemed natural to him. Growing up in Kerala, a state that values learning and was ahead in terms of the pursuit of knowledge was an advantage to his growing interest. Gradually, physics became his way of making sense of the world around him. It became his everything and he didn't know anything beyond physics. It seemed so natural to him that he didn't even think of what to do as research but started looking at the world with excitement through the prism of science.  Madras Christian College, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, University of Rochester had a major impact on his journey of becoming a theoretical physicist. Sudarshan's PhD thesis was one of the revolutionary discoveries of 1957 and deserved a Noble Prize award, however, it was administrated unfairly to Glashow, Salam and Weinberg, who did the next step onto his foundation. 

Sudarshan then founded the Centre for Theoretical Studies at IISc Bangalore and later became Director of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai, giving it its modern form at a time when science was not the centre for many in the society. In this period he sees most scientists in their comfort zones, gladly chasing run-of-the-mill-problems. The lack of desire for excellence leads to seeing and asking no big questions and exploring ideas, are some unpleasant facts of today.

E C G Sudarshan's life story it's a lesson for us to rekindle our passions and work hard to be good at what you find interesting. He reminds us to never let the curiosity in us to stop growing. Today we are blessed with more than enough facilities and opportunities customised to each individual's specific interests. Let us make use of our potential with a dedication to be a version of ourselves every day.