Moga, Oct 30: Moga is honoring one of its most distinguished native figures as celebrations begin for the birth centenary of Dr Narinder Singh Kapany, the renowned physicist acknowledged as the Father of Fibre Optics. A two-day science exhibition alongside the opening of a dedicated memorial gallery marks the tribute to his enduring scientific legacy.
Born in Moga on October 31, 1926, and raised in Dehradun, Dr Kapany laid the foundation for modern global telecommunications through his pioneering work in high-speed optical transmission. The physicist spent much of his later career in the United States, where he passed away in December 2020.
District authorities noted that the initiative was conceptualized by Deputy Commissioner Sagar Setia and Additional Deputy Commissioner Jaspinder Singh Bhullar to connect young students with Dr Kapany’s achievements. Officials affirmed that the commemorative gathering will now become an annual fixture on the district calendar to continuously encourage scientific curiosity among local youth.
Hosted at Sacred Heart School under the theme “Science Beyond Boundaries — From Light to Life, Earth to Space,” the event brings together participants from public and private institutions across Moga. The exhibition spans six specialized domains detailing advances in photonics, biotechnology, remote sensing, environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, drone tech, and space exploration.
A centerpiece of the event is the Kapany Memorial Gallery, showcasing his early life, roots in Moga, and pivotal research milestones. The overall schedule includes practical prototypes, student-led models, and expert academic sessions supported by faculty from Guru Nanak Dev University and the Munjal Birmingham City University Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Longer-term educational projects were also announced by the administration to sustain momentum beyond the centenary. Plans maintain the establish of a district public library named in Dr Kapany’s honor alongside a rolling trophy for exceptional school science demonstrations. The two-day session concludes with project evaluations, tributes, and the presentation of the Dr Kapany Young Innovator Award.
