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NRI
Dr. Mani Bhaumik, physicist, honoured by appointment as the first
IYA2009 Patron
Feb. 5, 2009
Surinder Singh
NRI Dr. Mani Bhaumik, physicist, internationally bestselling
author, celebrated lecturer, entrepreneur, and a philanthropist,
got a great honour to be appointed as the sole patron for the International
Year of Astronomy (IYA).
The officials of IYA said: IYA2009 is proud to have Dr. Mani Bhaumik
as dedicated supporter of IYA2009's global activities.
IYA- The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is a global effort
initiated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO
to help the citizens of the world rediscover their place in the
Universe through the day- and night-time sky, and thereby engage
a personal sense of wonder and discovery. IYA vision is: Everyone
should realise the impact of astronomy and other fundamental sciences
on our daily lives, and understand how scientific knowledge can
contribute to a more equitable and peaceful society. IYA2009 activities
are taking place locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.
National Nodes in each country are running activities throughout
2009 which will establish collaborations between professional and
amateur astronomers, science centres and science communicators.
136 countries are already involved and well over 140 are expected
to participate eventually.
In 1973, he announced the successful demonstration of the world's
first efficient excimer laser at the Denver, Colorado meeting of
the Optical Society of America. This is the class of laser that
would eventually eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses
in many cases requiring vision correction. The procedure popularly
known as Lasik takes less than a minute and has helped over fifteen
million people worldwide.
He always interested in sharing with the public the astounding
advances in quantum physics and cosmology and their implications
for our lives, work, technology, and spiritual development.
He writes books, articles, lectures, and TV programs. He is also
keenly interested in research on the origin and the nature of consciousness
and how that knowledge can be utilised in improving the quality
of our existence.
He was honored and received awards from American Physical Society
for Advancement of Physics, 1976; the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers for development of high power lasers and new
laser systems, 1982; the prestigious Cosmos Club, Washington, D.C.
; the scientific honor society, Sigma Xi, Los Angeles; Honorary
D.Sc degree for Lifetime Academic Achievements from Indian Institute
of Technology, 199; Lifetime Achievement Award, North America Bengali
association, Los Angeles, 2003; the Cultural Association of Bengal
for Philanthropic Services to community, New York, 2005; Mahatma
Gandhi Humanitarian Award from Indian American Heritage Foundation
presented by Sir Ben Kingsley, Beverly Hills, 2005; Outstanding
Achievement in Science and Philanthropic Contribution from Asian
Heritage Committee, New York, 2006; the Asiatic Society, Calcutta,
India, 2006; Listed in Who's Who in America and in Who's who in
the World; the American Men and Women in Science
He became rich through his invention of the excimer laser for eyesight
correction and hundreds of other patents. His best-seller book was
`The Cosmic Detective'. He also argues forcefully that contrary
to the popular misconception, science and spirituality are indeed
two sides of the same coin, the coin being that unique human consciousness
that allows us to perceive both ourselves and objective reality.
Therefore, he argues in his international bestseller Code Name God
(Crossroads Publishing), the big divide between science and spirituality
can be bridged.

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