Eminent astrophysicist, visionary science communicator, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away recently in Pune at the age of 87. A pioneering figure in modern cosmology, Dr. Narlikar played a crucial role in shaping India’s scientific landscape, inspiring generations of researchers and making science accessible to the public.
Early Life and Academic Brilliance
Born on July 19, 1938, Narlikar grew up on the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, where his father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, served as Head of the Mathematics Department. He soon pursued his academic journey at Cambridge University, where they recognised him as a Wrangler and awarded him the prestigious Tyson Medal for excellence in mathematics.
Contributions to Indian Astrophysics
Upon his return to India, Dr. Narlikar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1972. There, he led the Theoretical Astrophysics Group until 1989, transforming it into a world-class centre of research and elevating its international standing.
Founding IUCAA: A Vision Realised
In 1988, the University Grants Commission (UGC) entrusted Narlikar with a monumental task. He was to establish the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. As its founding director, he nurtured IUCAA into a globally respected hub for astrophysics research and education. He continued to mentor scientists at IUCAA as Emeritus Professor after his retirement in 2003.
Champion of Science Outreach
Dr. Narlikar’s impact extended far beyond academia. He was a passionate science communicator who authored numerous books and articles in both English and regional languages. His engaging science fiction writings and appearances on radio and television brought scientific thinking into the homes of countless Indians.
His commitment to public science education was recognised globally. In 1996, he received the UNESCO Kalinga Prize for science communication. Later, in 2012, the Third World Academy of Sciences honoured him for building a centre of excellence in science.
Honours and Recognition
Dr. Narlikar’s achievements earned him numerous accolades throughout his life. At just 26, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan (1965), followed by the Padma Vibhushan (2004)—India’s second-highest civilian honour. The Maharashtra government bestowed upon him the Maharashtra Bhushan in 2011. His autobiography, written in Marathi, won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Jayant Narlikar’s contributions to cosmology, scientific institution-building, and science popularisation have left an indelible mark on Indian science. As reported by msn.com, his legacy continues through the countless researchers he mentored, the institutions he built, and the minds he inspired across generations.
