From Express archives: Stephen Hawking’s unseen pictures from his India visit in 2001

British Physicist Stephen Hawking, who passed away on Wednesday, visited India for the first time in January 2001.He was one of the three scientists to be awarded the first Sarojini Damodaran Fellowship by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. He had later described the visit as 'magnificent'. Express archive photo

During his first leg of the tour in Mumbai, he addressed an international physics seminar at this institute. Express archive photo by Ramesh Nair

In this picture, Stephen Hawking is the center of attention, flanked by Justice PN Bhagwati, DR Mehta (Sebi Chief) and businessman Anand Mahindra at the Taj Hotel. Hawking was later given a city tour in a specially designed vehicle from Mahindra & Mahindra. Express archive photo by Ganesh Shirsekar

Stephen Hawking with his wife Elaine Mason. Express archive photo by Ganesh Shirsekar

Hawking was one of the three scientists to be awarded the first Sarojini Damodaran Fellowship by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. He had been invited to attend the Strings 2001 conference on string theory. This event brought together 300 researchers from around the world to discuss the origin of the universe, among other things. Express archive photo by Mahendra Parikh

During his India visit, Stephen Hawking had celebrated his 59th birthday at the Oberoi Towers hotel. Express archive photo by A Srinivas

Professor Hawking with Justice PN Bhagwati, DR Mehta (Sebi Chief), RK Krishna Kumar and Hawking's wife Elaine Mason. Express archive photo by Ganesh Shirsekar

David Gross, Stephen Hawking and Edward Witten at the 'String 2001" international conference held at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. Hawking, who shaped modern cosmology and inspired millions despite suffering from a life-threatening condition, died on Wednesday. Express archive photo by Manoj Patil

Hawking was so impressed by the mathematical skills of Indians that he told the then president K R Narayanan, "Indians are so good at mathematics and physics." Narayanan also described his experience meeting Hawking as 'unforgettable'. Express photo by Manoj Patil