Eminent astrophysicist and founder-director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence in Pune on Tuesday.
Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, a towering figure in Indian astrophysics, passed away at the age of 86.
Internationally renowned for his contributions to cosmology, Dr Narlikar co-developed the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity and advocated alternative models to the Big Bang theory. His work challenged conventional thinking and expanded the frontiers of astrophysics.
Born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Narlikar pursued his early education in Varanasi before completing his PhD at the University of Cambridge under Sir Fred Hoyle. Returning to India, he played a pivotal role in establishing IUCAA in 1988, shaping it into a premier institution for astronomy research and outreach.
He held the directorship of IUCAA until his retirement in 2003. Under his direction, IUCAA has acquired a worldwide reputation as a centre for excellence in teaching and research in astronomy and astrophysics. He was an Emeritus Professor at IUCAA.
In 2012, the Third World Academy of Sciences awarded Dr Narlikar their prize for setting up a centre for excellence in science.
Besides his scientific research, Dr Narlikar was well-known as a science communicator through his books, articles, and radio/TV programmes.
Dr. Narlikar was also a prolific science communicator. He authored numerous books and articles in English, Hindi, and Marathi, spanning advanced science, popular essays, and science fiction. His outreach efforts brought science closer to students and the general public alike.
Throughout his distinguished career, he was honoured with many accolades, including the Padma Bhushan (1965), Padma Vibhushan (2004), UNESCO Kalinga Prize (1996), and the Prix Jules Janssen (2004) from the French Astronomical Society.
In 2014, the Sahitya Akademi, the premier literary body in India, selected his autobiography for its highest prize in regional language (Marathi) writing.
He is survived by his three daughters — Geeta, Girija, and Leelavati — all researchers in science. His last rites will be performed in Pune on May 21.
Dr. Narlikar leaves behind a towering legacy as a scientist, educator, and communicator, continuing to inspire generations to come.