Narinder Singh Kapany: the scientist associated with fibre-optics research
The Prime Minister’s 25 October address called Kapany the father of fibre optics and noted his centenary on 31 October; this profile separates recognition from the wider field’s history.
Narinder Singh Kapany was an Indian-born physicist and entrepreneur whose work helped advance fibre optics, the transmission of light through thin optical fibres.
Why Kapany is remembered
In the 139th Mann Ki Baat address on 25 October 2026, the Prime Minister referred to Narinder Singh Kapany as the “Father of Fiber Optics” and noted that 31 October would mark the centenary of his birth. The description is an official tribute to a scientist associated with the development and popularisation of fibre optics.
Fibre optics transmit light through thin strands of glass or other transparent material. The technology underpins high-capacity communications because light can carry information over long distances with low loss when the system is properly designed.
From research to communication networks
Kapany’s work helped make fibre optics visible as a practical scientific and commercial field. The technology later became central to telecommunications, medical instruments and other applications where light must be guided through a small, flexible path.
It is more accurate to describe fibre optics as a field built through contributions from many researchers and engineers than to suggest one individual invented every modern optical-fibre component. Kapany’s legacy is part of that wider development.
Why the history still matters
Today’s internet and data networks depend on optical fibre alongside routers, switches, wireless access and data centres. A fibre link is not the whole internet, but it is a critical part of the physical infrastructure that moves large amounts of data.
This profile uses the official speech for the centenary reference and a biographical source for context. It does not attribute a new award or announcement to Kapany in 2026.
Editorial disclosure
This article was researched and published with AI assistance. No human prepublication review is claimed. Report factual errors through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Kapany associated with fibre optics?
His research and entrepreneurship helped advance the field of guiding and transmitting light through optical fibres.
Does fibre optics alone make up the internet?
No. Optical fibre is a key transmission medium, used alongside networking equipment, wireless links and data centres.