Explore the groundbreaking contributions of Stephen Hawking to fundamental physics in this Einstein Lecture by Rajesh Gopakumar. Delve into Hawking's revolutionary discoveries on black holes and early universe physics, and understand their lasting impact on contemporary developments in string theory. Journey through the quest of fundamental physics, examining gravity as geometry, Einstein's theory, and the importance of black holes. Investigate the intersection of quantum mechanics and gravity, the need for quantum gravity, and the role of string theory. Learn about India's contributions to string theory and Hawking's visit to India in 2001. Gain insights into the inspirational life story of a brilliant mind overcoming physical limitations to achieve groundbreaking scientific work. The lecture concludes with a Q&A session, offering a comprehensive overview of Hawking's enduring legacy in theoretical physics.