Pune, May 20 – Renowned astrophysicist, acclaimed science communicator, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away in Pune on Tuesday. He was 87.
According to family sources, Dr Narlikar died peacefully in his sleep early in the morning. He had recently undergone hip surgery at a hospital in the city. He is survived by his three daughters.
A Legacy of Scientific Excellence
Dr Narlikar was a towering figure in Indian science, known globally for his groundbreaking work in cosmology and his passionate efforts to popularise science across India. His academic journey began on the campus of Banaras Hindu University, where his father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, served as Head of the Mathematics Department.He went on to study at Cambridge University, where he achieved the prestigious titles of Wrangler and Tyson Medallist in the Mathematical Tripos.
Contributions to Indian Science
After returning to India, Dr Narlikar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1972. Under his leadership, the Theoretical Astrophysics Group at TIFR rose to international prominence during his tenure, which lasted until 1989.In 1988, he was invited by the University Grants Commission to establish the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. As the founding director, Dr Narlikar built IUCAA into a globally respected hub for research and education in astronomy and astrophysics. He retired in 2003 but continued his association with IUCAA as an Emeritus Professor.
Awards and Recognition
Dr Narlikar's exceptional contributions to science and education earned him numerous accolades. He was:- Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1965 at just 26 years of age
- Conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2004
- Honoured with the Maharashtra Bhushan, the state’s highest civilian award, in 2011
- Recipient of the Kalinga Award from UNESCO in 1996 for his science communication work
- Awarded the Third World Academy of Sciences Prize in 2012 for institution-building in science
- Recognised by the Sahitya Akademi in 2014 for his Marathi autobiography
Champion of Science Communication
Beyond academia, Dr Narlikar was deeply committed to making science accessible to the public. He authored numerous books, wrote popular science articles, and appeared on radio and television to communicate complex scientific concepts in a relatable manner. He was also known for his engaging science fiction stories.Dr Jayant Narlikar leaves behind a rich legacy that has profoundly shaped India’s scientific landscape and inspired generations of scientists and science enthusiasts.
