By: Tawheed Parvaiz Bhat
The world, an atomic part of this vast universe, is a magnificent creation of Almighty Allah. Everything, living or non-living has been created for the benefit of humankind. Nothing in this world is useless; every particle serves a purpose, whether we know it or not. The universe holds endless mysteries, millions and trillions of creations and yet mankind has only discovered a small fraction of what exists. From the very beginning of human civilization, curiosity, discovery, and invention have remained essential parts of our journey on Earth. Some discoveries have simply added to knowledge, while others have transformed life itself, reshaping the destiny of living beings forever.
Among the greatest of such discoveries stands the double helix structure of DNA, revealed in 1953 by two brilliant scientists, James Watson and Francis Crick. Their discovery became a cornerstone of modern science, giving rise to the field of molecular biology and changing how we understand life at its core. For the first time in human history, mankind could see the blueprint of life the molecule that carries the code of creation. DNA, the molecule of heredity, once hidden in the mysteries of nature, was brought into light by these two remarkable minds.
The discovery of DNA’s structure not only explained how genetic information is stored and passed from one generation to the next, but also opened the door to a new scientific revolution the gene revolution.
Today, every major advancement in biology, biotechnology, genetics, and medicine is rooted in the work of Watson and Crick. The understanding of DNA has made it possible to identify genetic diseases, develop cures, and improve crops to feed millions. From gene therapy and DNA sequencing to genetic engineering and biotechnology innovations, the double helix continues to be the guiding symbol of scientific progress.
Because of their pioneering work, the world has entered an era where life can be studied, understood, and even improved at the molecular level. Scientists can now trace hereditary disorders, develop personalized medicines, and enhance agricultural productivity all thanks to the discovery made by Watson and Crick. The multi-billion-dollar biotechnology industry that thrives across the globe today stands firmly on the foundation they built in a small laboratory over seventy years ago.
On 6 November 2025, the world bid farewell to Dr. James Watson, who passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Though his physical presence has left us, his scientific legacy remains immortal. He was not only a Nobel Prize laureate but also a visionary whose curiosity changed the way humanity understands itself. Born in 1928, at a time when technology was in its infancy, Watson’s thirst for knowledge began early. Even as a young boy, he would ask profound questions about nature like what makes birds migrate across continents. That innocent curiosity grew into a lifelong quest to uncover the secrets of life itself. And in 1953, alongside Francis Crick, he did just that solving a mystery that had puzzled the world for centuries.
Dr. Watson’s work went far beyond the discovery of DNA. He inspired generations of scientists to think deeper, question more, and never settle for half-answers. He devoted his life to research, education, and the promotion of science for the benefit of humanity. His achievements remind us that true greatness lies not in wealth or fame, but in curiosity, dedication, and service to knowledge. As we remember him today, we must also recognize how his discovery reshaped medicine and agriculture, revolutionized genetic research, and gave humanity the tools to fight disease and hunger. Every geneticist, biotechnologist, and molecular biologist working today walks on the path he illuminated.
I pay my heartfelt tribute to Dr. James Watson. May his noble soul rest in peace. He was a scientist of vision, a man of endless curiosity, and a pioneer whose work will continue to enlighten minds for centuries to come. His discovery revealed the language in which God wrote the code of life, a legacy that no time can erase.
May the new generation read about such legends, understand their contributions, and carry forward their mission to explore, to question, and to discover, for the betterment of humankind, just as Watson and Crick once did.
The author is Biotechnology Teacher at NM Boys Higher Secondary School Bandipora
