Physicist Robert J Oppenheimer's connection to India revealed in new biography amidst renewed interest
Agencies
Synopsis
According to Dadabhoy's extensive 723-page work, there existed a cordial and intellectual camaraderie between Oppenheimer and Homi Jehangir Bhabha, a prominent Indian physicist. The two luminaries likely crossed paths after World War II had concluded, forging a deep friendship. Their shared interests in culture and learning, including Oppenheimer's proficiency in Sanskrit, Latin, and Greek, further strengthened their bond.
By ET Online
Renowned American physicist Robert J Oppenheimer, famously known as the 'father of the atomic bomb', has recently come into the limelight once again, thanks to Christopher Nolan's latest film centered around his life. The movie's release has sparked a renewed curiosity in the enigmatic scientist, and an intriguing revelation from a newly-published biography has further piqued public interest.
According to Dadabhoy's extensive 723-page work, there existed a cordial and intellectual camaraderie between Oppenheimer and Homi Jehangir Bhabha, a prominent Indian physicist. The two luminaries likely crossed paths after World War II had concluded, forging a deep friendship.
Their shared interests in culture and learning, including Oppenheimer's proficiency in Sanskrit, Latin, and Greek, further strengthened their bond.
The turning point in Oppenheimer's life came when the atomic bomb he helped create was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, causing unimaginable devastation. Despite initially consoling his colleagues about their ethical concerns regarding the bomb's development, the cataclysmic event left him profoundly shaken. Oppenheimer's conscience led him to oppose the development of more advanced weapons, such as hydrogen bombs, for which his prior research had paved the way.
This change in perspective led to a governmental investigation in 1954, during which his security clearance was revoked, and he was excluded from participating in policy decisions. Alongside this, there were unfounded accusations of his connection to communism, adding to the complexity of his situation.
Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, a surprising offer emerged. Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, upon the urging of Bhabha, extended an invitation for Oppenheimer to become an Indian citizen and reside in India. The offer was an act of friendship and support during a challenging time for the physicist. However, Oppenheimer declined the proposal, expressing the belief that leaving the United States before clearing his name would only fuel further suspicion and hinder the resolution of the allegations against him.
Ultimately, Oppenheimer remained in the United States, continuing his work in academia and research. Despite the allure of relocating to India and embracing a new beginning, his dedication to clearing his name and his sense of responsibility towards the country where he had made his mark kept him firmly rooted.
As Christopher Nolan's film reignites public curiosity about Robert J Oppenheimer, Bakhtiyar K Dadabhoy's revealing biography, 'Homi J Bhabha: A Life,' adds a fascinating chapter to the life of this complex and influential physicist. The bond between Oppenheimer and Bhabha, their mutual intellectual pursuits, and the intriguing offer from India's Prime Minister offer fresh insights into the life of a scientist whose legacy continues to captivate the world.
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The biography, titled 'Homi J Bhabha: A Life' and penned by Bakhtiyar K Dadabhoy, sheds light on an unexpected aspect of Oppenheimer's life - an invitation to immigrate to India and make it his home.According to Dadabhoy's extensive 723-page work, there existed a cordial and intellectual camaraderie between Oppenheimer and Homi Jehangir Bhabha, a prominent Indian physicist. The two luminaries likely crossed paths after World War II had concluded, forging a deep friendship.
Their shared interests in culture and learning, including Oppenheimer's proficiency in Sanskrit, Latin, and Greek, further strengthened their bond.
The turning point in Oppenheimer's life came when the atomic bomb he helped create was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, causing unimaginable devastation. Despite initially consoling his colleagues about their ethical concerns regarding the bomb's development, the cataclysmic event left him profoundly shaken. Oppenheimer's conscience led him to oppose the development of more advanced weapons, such as hydrogen bombs, for which his prior research had paved the way.
This change in perspective led to a governmental investigation in 1954, during which his security clearance was revoked, and he was excluded from participating in policy decisions. Alongside this, there were unfounded accusations of his connection to communism, adding to the complexity of his situation.
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Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, a surprising offer emerged. Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, upon the urging of Bhabha, extended an invitation for Oppenheimer to become an Indian citizen and reside in India. The offer was an act of friendship and support during a challenging time for the physicist. However, Oppenheimer declined the proposal, expressing the belief that leaving the United States before clearing his name would only fuel further suspicion and hinder the resolution of the allegations against him.
Ultimately, Oppenheimer remained in the United States, continuing his work in academia and research. Despite the allure of relocating to India and embracing a new beginning, his dedication to clearing his name and his sense of responsibility towards the country where he had made his mark kept him firmly rooted.
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As Christopher Nolan's film reignites public curiosity about Robert J Oppenheimer, Bakhtiyar K Dadabhoy's revealing biography, 'Homi J Bhabha: A Life,' adds a fascinating chapter to the life of this complex and influential physicist. The bond between Oppenheimer and Bhabha, their mutual intellectual pursuits, and the intriguing offer from India's Prime Minister offer fresh insights into the life of a scientist whose legacy continues to captivate the world.
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
