India Mourns the Loss of Dr. Jayant Narlikar, a Giant in Indian Science
India Mourns the Loss of Dr. Jayant Narlikar, a Giant in Indian Science
Padma Vibhushan awardee, science communicator, and eminent astrophysicist Dr. Jayant Narlikar passed away in Pune on Tuesday at the age of 87. He died peacefully in his sleep early Tuesday morning, according to family sources.
Dr. Narlikar was a towering figure in Indian science, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to cosmology, his tireless efforts to popularize science, and his pivotal role in establishing premier research institutions in the country.
An Early Life in Science
Born on July 19, 1938, Dr. Narlikar’s journey in science began at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) where his father, Professor Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, headed the Mathematics Department. He continued his studies at Cambridge, achieving the prestigious Wrangler and Tyson Medallist awards in the Mathematical Tripos.
After returning to India, Dr. Narlikar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1972, leading the Theoretical Astrophysics Group to international recognition.
A Legacy of Scientific Excellence
In 1988, the University Grants Commission entrusted Dr. Narlikar with the monumental task of founding the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). He served as its director until his retirement in 2003, guiding IUCAA to become a globally renowned center for excellence in astronomy and astrophysics research and education. He remained an Emeritus Professor at IUCAA even after his retirement.
Dr. Narlikar’s dedication to advancing science earned him numerous accolades. In 2012, the Third World Academy of Sciences awarded him their prize for establishing a center of excellence in science. His work was recognized internationally, with UNESCO bestowing upon him the Kalinga Award for popular science in 1996.
He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 1965 at the young age of 26 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2004. The Maharashtra government honored him with the state’s highest civilian award, the Maharashtra Bhushan, in 2011.
Beyond the Lab: A Science Communicator
Dr. Narlikar was more than just a brilliant scientist; he was a passionate communicator of science. Through his books, articles, radio, and television programs, he made complex scientific concepts accessible to a wide audience. He was also known for his science fiction stories, further engaging the public with the wonders of the universe.
