1.1. The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize.

The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes are named after the founder of the Indian Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and is known as the 'Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology'. The Prize is given each year for outstanding Indian contributions to science and technology. Recipients of the Prize must be no older than forty-five. Prizes are awarded in each of the following disciplines: (i) Biological Sciences, (ii) Chemical Sciences, (iii) Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences, (iv) Engineering Sciences, (v) Mathematical Sciences, (vi) Medical Sciences and (vii) Physical Sciences. The Mathematical Science prize was founded in 1959 and first awarded in 1963 to K Chandrasekharan.

1.2. M S Narasimhan awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize.

M S Narasimhan's work at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research was seen as making outstanding Indian contributions to mathematics and it led to him being awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Mathematics Prize in 1975. The award recognised his exceptional contribution to algebraic geometry and differential geometrical analysis. One of his impressive results became known as the Narasimhan-Seshadri theorem. Mudumbai Seshachalu Narasimhan and Conjeeveram Srirangachari Seshadri published the paper Stable bundles and unitary bundles on a compact Riemann surface in 1964 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A. The paper gave the statement of the theorem and related results and contained a brief outline of the proof. They gave the complete proof in the 28-page paper Stable and unitary vector bundles on a compact Riemann surface (1965) published in the Annals of Mathematics. The Narasimhan-Seshadri theorem shows that a holomorphic vector bundle over a compact Riemann surface is stable if and only if it comes from an irreducible projective unitary representation of the fundamental group.

1.3. Award Citation.

Dr Narasimhan has made significant contribution in the fields of differential equations, differential geometry and algebraic geometry. Working jointly with Dr C S Seshadri, he gave a characterisation of stable vector bundles on an algebraic curve in terms of unitary representation of certain discrete groups. In a joint study of the moduli varieties of these vector bundles with S Ramanan, he has determined the singularities of these varieties and in the case of low ranks their desingularisation. Apart from relating the moduli of these varieties with moduli of the curve, he has contributed to the study of their cohomology.

2.1. The TWAS Awards.

We note that the TWAS was originally Third World Academy of Science but is now known as The World Academy of Science. The TWAS Awards (previously called 'TWAS Prizes') are awarded to individual scientists from developing countries in recognition of an outstanding contribution to scientific knowledge in nine fields of sciences and/or to the application of science and technology to sustainable development. The nine fields are: Agriculture, Nutrition & Food Systems Sciences; Biological Sciences; Chemical Sciences; Earth, Climate & Environmental Sciences; Engineering & Computer Sciences; Mathematical Sciences; Medical & Health Sciences; Physics, Astronomy & Space Sciences; Social Sciences. Each award is accompanied by a plaque. Awards are usually presented on a special occasion, often coinciding with the General Meeting of TWAS.

2.2. M S Narasimhan awarded the TWAS Award for Mathematics.

The 1987 TWAS Award for Mathematics was presented to Mudambai Seshachalu Narasimhan, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bombay, India, for his fundamental contributions to mathematics in the areas of algebraic geometry, differential geometry, representation theory of semi-simple groups and partial differential equations. M S Narasimhan was presented with the 1987 TWAS Award for Mathematics on Monday, 3 October 1988 in Trieste Italy.

3.1. The Srinivasa Ramanujan Medal.

The Srinivasa Ramanujan Medal, established by the Indian National Science Academy in 1961, recognises outstanding contributions in the mathematical sciences and is open to scientists of Indian origin or those working in India. It is, of course, name for the remarkable Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. It was first awarded in 1962 to Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar and was awarded ever second year except 1970 and 1976. Beginning in 1979, it was awarded every third year, again with a few exceptions. The winner is presented with a Silver Plated Medal.

3.2 M S Narasimhan awarded the Srinivasa Ramanujan Medal.

M S Narasimhan was awarded the Srinivasa Ramanujan Medal in 1988 for:-

... key developments in the study of moduli spaces, co-authoring the Narasimhan–Seshadri theorem and contributing to gauge theory connections in complex geometry.

4.1. The National Order of Merit.

The National Order of Merit is the second highest national order, intended to honour both French citizens and foreign nationals. It rewards distinguished merit acquired either in a civil or military public function, or in the exercise of a private activity. The Knight grade is awarded after a minimum of 10 years of distinguished service.

4.2. M S Narasimhan becomes Chevalier de l'ordre National du Mérite.

M S Narasimhan received the prestigious award, Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite, presented to him by the President of France in 1989. The award was given for his outstanding contributions to mathematics and his work in fostering international scientific cooperation. He held close ties with French mathematical institutions, including with the International Centre of Pure and Applied Mathematics (CIMPA) in France. CIMPA promotes mathematical research with researchers in developing countries. The award recognised his commitment to supporting and mentoring mathematicians, especially those from developing countries.

5.1. The Padma Awards.

The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognise works of distinction and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities/disciplines. The awards are presented by the President of India usually in the month of March/April every year where the awardees are presented a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion. The recipients are also given a small replica of the medallion, which they can wear during any ceremonial/State functions etc., if the awardees so desire. The names of the awardees are published in the Gazette of India on the day of the presentation ceremony.

5.2. M S Narasimhan receives the Padma Bhushan.

M S Narasimhan received the Padma Bhushan in 1990 in recognition of his distinguished service to science and education. He was a world-renowned figure in algebraic geometry and differential geometry. He was the Founder-Chairman of India's National Board for Higher Mathematics, established in 1983, to promote mathematical research and provide scholarships across the country. He was also highly regarded for his role as a mentor to several generations of mathematicians and for his leadership in international bodies like the International Mathematical Union.

6.1. The King Faisal International Prize.

The King Faisal International Prize is awarded to "scientists and scholars whose research results in significant advances in specific areas that benefit humanity." It consists of a certificate, hand-written in Arabic calligraphy summarising the laureate's work, a commemorative 24 carat gold medal, uniquely cast for each prize, and a cash award of 750,000 Saudi riyal (150,000 Euro). Prizes are awarded in five categories: Service to Islam; Islamic Studies; Arabic Language and Literature; Medicine; and Science. The Science Prize is announced to be for: Physics; Mathematics; Chemistry; Biology.

6.2. Inception of the King Faisal Prize.

The following is taken from the website of the King Faisal Prize in April 2026.

The idea of establishing the King Faisal Prize came out of the belief in the importance of knowledge and science in opening broader horizons in all fields. It also confirms the cause for which the Foundation was established, which is to spread goodness and hope everywhere, and acknowledge and reward the efforts of scholars and intellectuals in the development and welfare of mankind. From the day it was first established in 1979, the King Faisal Prize has been awarded to 275 laureates, from 43 countries. Many of the Prize's objectives have been reached, and the Foundation has assumed an outstanding leadership in its efforts to honour some of the world's scholars and scientists has been well acknowledged. In this regard, 24 among the Prize recipients in medicine and sciences were subsequently awarded the Nobel Prize in their respective fields.

6.3. M S Narasimhan awarded the King Faisal Prize.

Professor Mudumbai Narasimhan was awarded the prize for his seminal contributions to theories which have strengthened the links between mathematics and physics. His work helped provide a rigorous foundation for physical theories by giving a very good description of the laws of matter at the sub-nuclear level. This has helped establish strong ties with the formulation of quantum chromodynamics.

6.4. The Laureate's Biography.

Mudumbai Narasimhan received his B.A. (honours) in Mathematics in Madras in 1953 and his Ph.D. Bombay in 1960. He served as Professor of Mathematics at India's preeminent Tata Institute of Fundamental Research for more than 25 years, and was named Professor of Eminence at the Institute in 1990. Between 1993-1999, he was Director of Mathematics at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. Under his leadership, the centre became internationally recognized for its excellence in algebraic geometry, and for providing training and research opportunities for hundreds of researchers and students from various countries. From 2000-2003, Narasimhan was Visiting Professor at the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA). in Trieste. He is currently Honorary Fellow of the Tata Institute.

Narasimhan's work was primarily focused on algebraic geometry, particularly the theory of holomorphic vector bundles on compact Riemann surfaces. However, over the past 35 years, his work covered nearly all other aspects of mathematics, and linked with the works of the greatest mathematicians, while maintaining its high originality and impeccable taste.

Narasimhan's brilliant career as a mathematician and educator took him to major universities and institutions worldwide, and won him the admiration of the community of mathematicians. He was recognised by other prestigious national and international honours. He was a member of the Royal Society of London, a Chevalier de l'ordre National du Mérite (France), and a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, awarded by the President of India. He was a President of the National Board for Higher Mathematics in India, a President of the International Mathematical Union's Commission on Development and Exchange, a Vice-President of the International Centre of Pure and Applied Mathematics in France, and a member of the Executive Committee of the International Mathematical Union. In 2002, a special symposium entitled "A Colloquium in Geometry" was held in honour of Narasimhan's 70th birthday, in which his students and peers discussed his enormous contributions to mathematics.

6.5. The Laureate's Reply.

Acceptance Speech of Professor Mudumbai Seshachalu Narasimhan, Co-Winner of the 2006 King Faisal International Prize for Science.

Monday 3 April 2006.

Your Royal Highness, Prince Sultan Ibn Abd Al Aziz
Crown Prince, Deputy Premier,
Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General
Your Highnesses
Your Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Dear Friends,

It is a great honour to be awarded the King Faisal International Prize for Science, and to be included in the company of outstanding mathematicians who have previously received this prize. I am particularly pleased to be sharing this year's prize with Professor Donaldson, for whose work I have great admiration.

From ancient times, India has had a very strong tradition in mathematics. Actually many mathematical fields of current interest, especially Algebra, owe their existence and development to Indian and Islamic mathematicians, and the interactions between them. I am therefore particularly happy to be here, and I hope that future years will see a revival of this great tradition of fruitful scientific interaction between the two communities.

In more recent times, mathematics in India was relatively dormant, though there was a resurgence of Indian mathematics in the last century, starting with the contributions of Ramanujan. However, it was only after India's independence in 1947, that a systematic programme was initiated to promote mathematical research. I joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bombay as a student in 1953, where we were introduced to new areas of mathematics and had access to some of the latest scientific literature. Moreover, many famous mathematicians visited the Tata Institute and taught at the Tata Institute. Almost overnight, Indian mathematics ended its period of relative isolation, and students like me learnt to identify problems at the forefront of current mathematical research. Soon, research of a high level began to emerge from our group, and the Tata Institute became acknowledged as a leading centre of mathematics, proving that (with proper planning, and financial support) it is possible for developing countries to produce outstanding research. I would like to think of this prize as not only a personal honour, but also a recognition of the achievements of my generation of Indian mathematicians, and I hope that it will inspire young students in developing countries to pursue a career in scientific research.

People often ask me why one should study mathematics, and whether mathematical research is a worthwhile pursuit, especially in a developing country. Mathematics has two functions: it is a source of intellectual pleasure and beauty, but it is also useful for counting, measuring and predicting, both in scientific research, and in everyday life. On the occasion of a mathematics conference held at the Tata Institute, Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, sent us a message, that summarises beautifully the essence and function of mathematics:

... it is increasingly recognised that [mathematics] is of high importance in scientific developments of today. [It] has widened the horizon of the human mind tremendously and has helped in the understanding, to some extent, of nature and the physical world. It is the vehicle of exact scientific thought.

My own work has been in pure mathematics, especially in the fields of Analysis, Differential Geometry and Algebraic Geometry. My studies included different aspects of moduli of vector bundles. I was initially attracted towards this, and similar problems, entirely because of their intrinsic mathematical interest. However, it has later emerged that these problems are intimately connected with gauge theory and conformal field theory, which play a significant role in theoretical physics. In the past two decades, I became more interested in the applications and relevance of these concepts in physics.

I also developed an interest in setting up institutional and academic structures that would help promote mathematics, especially in developing countries. I have done what I can to help foster such efforts, with the help of the International Mathematical Union, and also at the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, where I spent ten years. I continue to be interested in efforts to train young mathematicians and to promote international exchange and cooperation, and I hope that my this award will help further these endeavours.

I am indebted to many individuals who have shaped my career, particularly my mentors, C Racine, K Chandrasekharan and Laurent Schwartz and my collaborators and close friends, C S Seshadri and S Ramanan. I am also grateful to P P Divakaran, who first introduced me to modern physics, and to the many collaborators and students, from all over the world, who have enriched my scientific life. Finally, I would like to thank my family, especially my wife Sakuntala, for the support they have given me.

Thank you.

6.6. Allyn Jackson's report in the Notices of the AMS.

Simon Donaldson and M S Narasimhan have been jointly awarded the 2006 King Faisal International Prize for Science. The prize, presented by the King Faisal Foundation, consists of a gold medal and a cash prize of US$200,000, which the two recipients will share.

Mudumbai Seshachalu Narasimhan was born in 1932 in Thandarai, in the state of Tamiladu, in India. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Bombay in 1960, under the direction of Komaravolu Chandrasekharan. For many years Narasimhan was a professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai. In 1992, he went to the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, where he headed the research group in mathematics. He is now an Honorary Fellow of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in India. In 1975 he received the Bhatnagar Prize for Mathematics (1975), which is the most prestigious award given in India. He also received the Third World Academy Award for Mathematics in 1987 and is a Fellow of the Royal Society, London. Narasimhan is a pioneer of the study of moduli spaces of holomorphic vector bundles on projective varieties. His work on projectively flat connections was the starting point for the development of the so-called Kobayashi-Hitchin correspondence linking the differential and algebraic geometry of vector bundles over complex manifolds.

The close connection between the research of the two prize winners is illustrated by the fact that one of Donaldson's earliest papers bears the title "A New Proof of a Theorem of Narasimhan and Seshadri" (Journal of Differential Geometry, 1983), referring to the landmark paper "Stable and Unitary Vector Bundles on Compact Riemann Surfaces", by Narasimhan and C S Seshadri (Annals of Mathematics, 1965). Narasimhan's paper with S Ramanan on universal connections ("Existence of universal connections", American Journal of Mathematics, 1961 and 1963) has been very influential in the exchange of ideas between mathematics and theoretical physics surrounding index theory and gauge theory. This exchange of ideas is also the context for much of Donaldson's important work.

The King Faisal Foundation was established in 1976. Of its many philanthropic activities, the King Faisal International Prize is the most widely known. Prizes for Service to Islam, Islamic Studies, and Arabic Literature were established in 1977 and first awarded in 1979. In 1981 the Prize Board added Medicine; Science was included in 1982. The Science subcategories cover a broad scope: physics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology. The prizes are awarded during a ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the auspices of the King of Saudi Arabia.

7.1. The Spirit of Abdus Salam Award.

The family of Nobel Prize winner Abdus Salam set up the Spirit of Abdus Salam Award in 2014 to honour those within the extended International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) family of scientists and non-scientists who show that they have worked tirelessly to further Abdus Salam's humanitarian passion and vision for the cooperation, promotion and development of science and technology in the developing world. The award is announced annually on the occasion of the ICTP Salam Distinguished Lectures, held at ICTP during the last week of January to coincide with Abdus Salam's birthday on 29 January.

7.2. M S Narasimhan awarded the Spirit of Abdus Salam Award.

The 2020 Spirit of Abdus Salam Award honours M S Narasimhan, an eminent mathematician who was the head of ICTP's mathematics section from 1993 to 1999. M S Narasimhan received the 2020 Spirit of Abdus Salam Award on Thursday 27 August 2020:-

... for his long association with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, as head of the Mathematics section and a member of the Scientific Council; and his commitment to supporting mathematicians in the developing world, helping early-career mathematicians to develop very successful careers.

On the occasion of the Spirit of Salam Award, a side event was organised as follows: Friday 28 August at 10:00: Reminiscences by colleagues, students and friends in honour of M S Narasimhan followed by a Mathematics Colloquium by Nigel Hitchin on "Generalizations of Teichmüller space".

7.3. From ICTP's obituary of M S Narasimhan.

In 2020, the family of ICTP founder Abdus Salam awarded its Spirit of Abdus Salam Award to Narasimhan in recognition of his extensive work to promote the development of mathematics in disadvantaged parts of the world. Abdus Salam's son Ahmad, who coordinates the Spirit of Salam Award on behalf of this family, said,

Professor Narasimhan's relationship with Abdus Salam started long before 1993 when he was appointed head of the Mathematics section. Professor Narasimhan's friendship goes back to the 1980s when he was first recognised by Salam and invited to come and play a role in the development of ICTP. M.S. responded with great gusto in completing the tasks that Salam assigned to him. Professor Narasimhan had the benefit of knowing and engaging with Salam first hand, and was inevitably greatly influenced by him. As a citizen of a great country which showed great love for our father, we know how proud Abdus Salam was of his relationship with Professor Narasimhan.

8.1. The Asian Scientist 100.

Every year since 2016, Asian Scientist Magazine compiles a list of Asia's most outstanding researchers.

Now into its eighth edition, the Asian Scientist 100 list celebrates the success of the region's best and brightest, highlighting their achievements across a range of scientific disciplines.

To be acknowledged on this list, the honouree must have received a national or international prize in the preceding year for his or her research. Alternatively, he or she must have made a significant scientific discovery or provided leadership in academia or industry.

8.2. M S Narasimhan honoured in Asian Scientist 100.

M S Narasimhan was included in the 2021 Asian Scientist 100 for being:-

... one of two recipients of the 2020 Spirit of Abdus Salam Award for his dedication to supporting early-career mathematicians in developing countries.