During a visit to the Taj Mahal, renowned physicist Brian Greene praised India’s unique educational and scientific approaches, highlighting the enthusiasm and ambition of Indian students to make a global impact. He noted the country’s unparalleled passion for science and innovation, which he found inspiring. Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino also expressed admiration for India’s beauty and craftsmanship, calling the Taj Mahal a testament to India’s engineering legacy. Their visit emphasizes India’s growing influence in the global scientific community, showcasing its historical excellence and advancing role in science and innovation. Both Greene and Massimino are prominent figures in their respective fields.
New Delhi:
Celebrating India’s unique approach to education and scientific inquiry, Brian Greene, a distinguished theoretical physicist, author, and professor at Columbia University, highlighted the passion and aspirations of Indian students aiming for a global influence.
“The enthusiasm for science and innovation that I have seen in India is unmatched. The vibrancy and inquisitiveness among students here are incredibly motivating,” Greene remarked during his visit to the Taj Mahal, according to the Ministry of Culture.
He acknowledged India’s unique educational strategies and research methodologies, underscoring the drive and potential of Indian students to make a worldwide difference.
“India appears even more stunning from the ground,” stated former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino, who has viewed the nation from outer space.
Expressing his appreciation for India’s visual beauty, he praised the extraordinary artistry of the Taj Mahal, describing it as a monument to India’s ancient legacy of engineering and creativity, the statement noted.
Greene and Massimino are presently visiting India, immersing themselves in its rich scientific, educational, and cultural heritage.
During their visit, they toured the iconic Taj Mahal, sharing their admiration for India’s progress in science, engineering, and craftsmanship, as mentioned in the statement.
Greene is renowned for his pioneering work in superstring theory, including the co-discovery of mirror symmetry and advances in spatial topology change.
Mike Massimino, who has participated in two NASA space missions, holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and is currently a professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University. Known as the first astronaut to tweet from space, he has made significant contributions to space exploration, particularly during the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions in 2002 and 2009, according to the Ministry.
Dr. Brian Greene, an esteemed physicist, and Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut, recently toured the Taj Mahal.
Dr. Brian Greene, an esteemed physicist, and Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut, recently toured the Taj Mahal. @PMOIndia @minofculturegoi @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/zm3HH4fmDA
— PIB Culture (@PIBCulture) March 1, 2025
Throughout his career, Massimino has earned several accolades, including multiple NASA Space Flight Medals, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and the American Astronautical Society’s Flight Achievement Award. He is presently the Senior Advisor for Space Programs at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.
“The visit of Greene and Massimino to the Taj Mahal underscores India’s rising prominence in the global scientific arena. Their journey serves as a link between India’s historic excellence in artistry and its rapidly evolving role in science and innovation on the international stage,” the Ministry concluded.
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