Vashishtha Narayan Singh was an Indian mathematician known for his work in the fields of number theory and algebra. He made significant contributions to the theory of quadratic forms, and he also battled schizophrenia throughout his life. His dedication to mathematics despite personal challenges has left a lasting legacy in the field.
Vashishtha Narayan Singh was born in Bihar, India, in 1942. He showed exceptional mathematical talent from a young age. He completed his schooling in Bihar and then pursued higher education, obtaining a master’s degree in mathematics from Patna University.
In 1965, Singh received a scholarship to study at the University of California, Berkeley, where he pursued his Ph.D. in mathematics. His doctoral thesis was on the topic of “Reproducing Kernels and Operators with a Cyclic Vector.” However, his time in Berkeley was marked by struggles with mental health issues, specifically schizophrenia.
Despite his challenges, Singh’s mathematical brilliance shone through, and he completed his Ph.D. in 1969 under the guidance of Professor John L. Kelley. His work in mathematics, particularly in number theory and algebra, earned him recognition and respect in academic circles.
After completing his doctorate, Singh returned to India and briefly taught at various universities. However, his mental health continued to deteriorate, and he eventually withdrew from the academic world.
In the later years of his life, Singh lived a reclusive existence in his hometown of Basantpur, Bihar. Despite his personal struggles, he remained devoted to mathematics, often working on mathematical problems on his own. He continued to inspire many mathematicians and scholars, both in India and abroad, with his remarkable intellect and dedication
Vashishtha Narayan Singh passed away on November 14, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of mathematical brilliance and resilience in the face of adversity.
