In the quiet corners of Bihar, a mathematical genius emerged, destined for greatness. Yet, his life took a turn so unexpected that it left many wondering: what happened to Vashishtha Narayan Singh?
Born in 1942 in a humble village in Basantpur, Bihar, Vashishtha Narayan was a prodigy from the start. He excelled in academics, topping both his BSc and MSc exams consecutively. This brilliance led him to collaborate with some of the world’s most esteemed institutions, including NASA, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), and the University of California, Berkeley.
His journey began at Netarhat School in Jharkhand and continued at Patna Science College, where his exceptional skills in mathematics caught the eye of educators. The college principal’s support propelled him to early academic success, culminating in a PhD in 1969. Recognizing his potential, Prof. John L. Kelly facilitated his studies at Berkeley, where he gained global recognition, even challenging Einstein’s theories. His contributions to NASA during critical missions, including the Apollo program, were lauded worldwide.
Upon returning to India, Vashishtha taught at prestigious institutions such as IIT Kanpur, TIFR Mumbai, and ISI Kolkata. However, his promising career was abruptly interrupted by schizophrenia. This mental illness led to his professional decline and personal heartbreak, including a divorce and institutionalisation. His tragic disappearance during a train journey added to the mystery, only to be later found living destitute in his home village.
Vashishtha received treatment at NIMHANS Bengaluru and IHBAS Delhi, with support from actor Shatrughan Sinha. Despite these efforts, his health remained fragile. Eventually, he resumed teaching at BNMU Madhepura, but the shadows of his past loomed large.
Vashishtha Narayan Singh’s life, a blend of unparalleled genius and profound tragedy, ended at the age of 72 on November 14, 2019. His legacy, honoured with a posthumous Padma Shri, remains a poignant reminder of the fine line between brilliance and fragility.
