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H. Narasimhaiah
ಹೆಚ್. ನರಸಿಂಹಯ್ಯ
The rationalist of Karnataka — the scientist who fought superstition
Years
1920 – 2005
Known as
H. Narasimhaiah — physicist, educationist, and rationalist
Birthplace
Tiptur, Karnataka
Field
Scientists & Thinkers
“Question everything — the truth fears no inquiry, and superstition fears all of it.”
— H. Narasimhaiah
The Story
Born in 1920 in Tiptur, Narasimhaiah studied physics and became a professor, serving as the principal of National College in Bangalore. But his real mission was the spread of scientific temper: in 1962 he founded the Bangalore Science Forum, which brought scientists and the public together in a movement that transformed the scientific life of the city.
His fame came from his fearless campaigns against superstition: he publicly tested the claims of godmen and miracle-workers, exposed frauds, and argued that superstition was the enemy of progress. His campaigns — including the famous challenge to miracle claims — made him the most recognised rationalist of the state and drew both admiration and controversy.
He also served education in many capacities and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan. He died in 2005, remembered as the voice of reason in Karnataka — a scientist who believed that the future of Bhārat lay in the scientific temper of its people.
Core Ideas
The Bangalore Science Forum
His movement that took science to the people.
The Rationalist
The fearless fighter against superstition.
The Educator
A lifetime devoted to the teaching of science.
The Challenge
He publicly tested the claims of miracle-workers.
Scientific Temper
His belief in reason as the future of the nation.
Why it matters today
H. Narasimhaiah is honoured as the voice of reason in Karnataka — the scientist who spent his life taking science to the people and fighting the superstitions that hold them back. His Science Forum continues, and his name remains the symbol of the scientific temper in the public life of Bhārat.