S Chandrasekhar

The world knows S. Chandrasekhar as a Nobel laureate and an outstanding astrophysicist. But he was, at the same time, a caring uncle, a devoted husband and a compassionate brother, who made it a point to reach out to everyone around him despite his legendary status. This compilation brings out the various facets of the man and the scientist. It includes some of his more general essays and lectures in which he lucidly presents his thoughts on the pursuit of science, creativity, his work, and his abiding love for his motherland. There are also reminiscences by family members who interacted with him and grew to adore the man who, they remember, had as beautiful a heart as his handwriting. This collection strives to bring to the fore the person that was Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and the life he led: from his engagement with science to the little anecdotes that illuminated the lives of those around him. ‘Chandra probably thought longer and deeper about our universe than anyone since Einstein.’ –    Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, United Kingdom  ‘I discovered what true mathematical elegance is from Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.’ – Carl Sagan, who studied under Professor Chandrasekhar at the University of Chicago