India bids farewell to one of its most brilliant scientific minds, Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, who passed away at the age of 87. A stalwart in the fields of astrophysics and cosmology, Dr. Narlikar was not only a pioneering researcher but also a passionate science communicator whose legacy spans decades of scholarship and public engagement.
Born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Dr. Narlikar carved a niche for himself on the global stage with his groundbreaking work in cosmology. A protégé of the renowned astrophysicist Fred Hoyle, Narlikar co-developed the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of conformal gravity, which proposed a steady-state model of the universe as an alternative to the Big Bang theory. While the steady-state model lost favor with the advent of new astronomical evidence, the theory remains a significant contribution to theoretical astrophysics.
Dr. Narlikar’s academic journey was illustrious. After completing his studies at Banaras Hindu University, he went on to earn top honors at the University of Cambridge. He later served on the faculty of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and was instrumental in founding the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, which he led as its founder-director. His leadership at IUCAA helped establish India as a formidable force in global astronomical research.
Equally notable was his contribution to science popularization. Dr. Narlikar believed in making complex scientific ideas accessible to the general public. He authored numerous books, both in English and Marathi, aiming to spark curiosity among young minds and promote scientific thinking across age groups. His engaging writing style and ability to simplify advanced topics earned him a wide readership and admiration beyond academic circles.
Tributes have poured in from across the scientific and academic communities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences, calling Narlikar a “towering intellect whose contributions advanced our understanding of the universe.” The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) lauded him as a mentor and visionary who inspired generations of astronomers.
In addition to his academic and literary achievements, Dr. Narlikar was the recipient of several national and international honors, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award. He remained active in science advocacy well into his later years, frequently participating in public talks, educational outreach programs, and national policy discussions on science and education.
As the nation mourns the loss of a legendary thinker, Jayant Narlikar’s life serves as a shining example of intellectual curiosity, scientific excellence, and public service. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will endure through his extensive body of work and the institutions he helped build.
