Tributes poured in for eminent astrophysicist, science communicator, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, who passed away in Pune on Tuesday. A towering figure in Indian science, Dr Narlikar was widely known for his pioneering contributions to cosmology, his efforts to popularise science, and for setting up premier research institutions in the country.
According to family sources, the eminent astrophysicist died in his sleep early in the morning. He is survived by three daughters.
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote that the passing of Dr Jayant Narlikar is a “monumental loss to the scientific community”.
“He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks will be valued by generations of researchers. He made a mark as an institution builder, grooming centres of learning and innovation for young minds. His writings have also gone a long way in making science accessible to common citizens. Condolences to his family and friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” stated PM Modi.
The passing of Dr. Jayant Narlikar is a monumental loss to the scientific community. He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks will be valued by generations of researchers. He made a mark as an…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2025
Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis wrote that Dr Narlikar had played a very important role in spreading science by creating literature on scientific subjects. The CM also said that the astrophysicist explained complex subjects to ordinary readers in very simple terms.
“We have lost a great scientist and an equally great writer. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him,” the CM wrote, adding that his last rites will be conducted with full state honours.
ज्येष्ठ खगोल शास्त्रज्ञ आणि विज्ञान लेखक, महाराष्ट्र भूषण जयंत नारळीकर यांच्या निधनाचे वृत्त अतिशय दुःखद आहे.
वैज्ञानिक विषयात साहित्य निर्मिती करून विज्ञानाचा प्रसार करण्यात त्याची अत्यंत मोलाची भूमिका राहिली. त्यासाठी जागतिक पातळीवर त्यांना पुरस्कारांनी गौरवण्यात आले. खगोल… pic.twitter.com/1Tws7nMaVR— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) May 20, 2025
Former Union Minister Sharad Pawar also paid his tributes and said that among the Maharashtrian scientists who contributed to research at the national and international levels, Dr Narlikar will always be remembered with respect and honour.
The Hoyle-Narlikar theory is considered very important in the scientific world, noted Pawar. The the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity, co-developed by Narlikar, advocated alternative models to the Big Bang theory. His work challenged conventional thinking and expanded the frontiers of astrophysics and he gave a significant direction to scientific research in India during his stints at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pawar noted.
The veteran politician also stated that Narlikar`s writings and lectures were invaluable for the dissemination of science and that he advocated scientific thinking and opposed superstition.
महाराष्ट्राचे सुपुत्र, आंतरराष्ट्रीय कीर्तीचे खगोलशास्त्रज्ञ आणि विज्ञान लेखक डॉ. जयंत नारळीकर यांच्या निधनाची बातमी अत्यंत वेदनादायक आहे.
राष्ट्रीय आणि आंतरराष्ट्रीय पातळीवर मराठी वैज्ञानिकांनी दिलेल्या योगदानात डॉ. नारळीकर यांचे नाव नेहमीच आदराने व सन्मानाने घेतले जाते.… pic.twitter.com/YvQix2EwM2
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) May 20, 2025
Calling Dr Narlikar “one of the world`s greatest astrophysicists”, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated, “Along with his doctoral adviser Fred Hoyle, he set the world of cosmology ablaze with his path-breaking contributions. He returned to TIFR in 1972 and thereafter emerged as a phenomenal mentor, educator, author, science communicator, and institution-builder. The world-class Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) he established in Pune in 1988 and shaped decisively thereafter is a tribute to his accomplishments, vision, and indeed his personality.”
Dr Narlikar combined “to an unusual degree formidable scholarship with humility”, he noted.
The Congress General Secretary also shared a picture of a write-up published by the Planning Commission magazine ‘Yojana’ in its July 5, 1964, issue. “It captures the impact he [Dr Narlikar] had when he first shot into global fame,” he added.
One of the world`s greatest astrophysicists Dr. Jayant Narlikar has just passed away.
He hailed from a very distinguished intellectual family and excelled in Cambridge Univ in the 1960s. Along with his doctoral adviser Fred Hoyle, he set the world of cosmology ablaze with his… pic.twitter.com/YjN6MUvvWF
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 20, 2025
In his post honouring Dr Narlikar, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray wrote, “Veteran astronomer Jayant Narlikar passed away today. In 1964, at the age of 26, a young Marathi scientist, along with his mentor Fred Hoyle, proposed a new theory of gravity, which gave impetus to research on the mystery of the creation of the universe. At that time, the Big Bang theory was the prevailing and widely accepted theory, but it was Narlikar who appealed to it, and many new possibilities regarding the creation of the universe are still being explored today.”
ज्येष्ठ खगोल शास्त्रज्ञ जयंत नारळीकर यांचं आज निधन झालं. १९६४ साली वयाच्या २६ व्या वर्षी एका तरुण मराठी शास्त्रज्ञाने आपले गुरु फ्रेड हॉयल यांच्या सोबत गुरुत्वाकर्षणाचा नवा सिद्धांत मांडला आणि यातून विश्वनिर्मितीच्या रहस्यावरील संशोधनाला चालना मिळाली. त्यावेळेस बिगबँग थिअरी ही… pic.twitter.com/x78a62zYIH
— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) May 20, 2025
Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, Dr S Somanath, also mourned Dr Narlikar’s death and said that the country has lost a “visionary astrophysicist and science communicator who inspired my generation with his popular works such as `The lighter side of gravity` and `Seven wonders of the cosmos`.”
His pioneering contributions in cosmology, including the Hoyle- Narlikar theory and the founding of IUCAA will be remembered for ever, the former ISRO Chairman said, adding that Narlikar`s dedication to public science education including the creation of early science books by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) inspired generations.
“A true luminary, his legacy will continue to shine,” Somanath added.
Meanwhile, IUCAA, also took to X to condole Dr Narlikar’s. In an official post, the Pune-based institute tweeted, “The IUCAA family is in grief.
The institute also informed that Dr Narlikar’s last rites will be performed on Wednesday.
Was awarded the Padma Bhushan at the young age of 26
Born on July 19, 1938, Dr Narlikar completed his early education on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, was a professor and Head of the Mathematics Department. He then pursued his higher studies at Cambridge, becoming a Wrangler and Tyson Medalist in the Mathematical Tripos.
In 1965, Dr Narlikar was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his scientific contributions. He was only 26 years old at the time.
From 1972 to 1989, Dr Narlikar worked in TIFR. Under his charge, the Theoretical Astrophysics Group expanded and acquired international standing, reported PTI.
In 1988, the University Grants Commission invited Dr Narlikar to set up the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) as its Founder Director.
For his contributions in science, Dr Narlikar was honoured by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1996 with the Kalinga Award for popular science works.
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 2004, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan by the Centre. In 2011, the Maharashtra government honoured him with the state`s highest civilian award, the Maharashtra Bhushan.
In 2012, the Third World Academy of Sciences awarded Dr Narlikar their prize for setting up a centre for excellence in science, reported PTI.
Besides his scientific research, Dr Narlikar was well-known as a science communicator through his books, articles, and radio/TV programmes. He is also known for his science fiction stories.
In 2014, the Sahitya Akademi, the premiere literary body in India, selected his autobiography for its highest prize in regional language (Marathi) writing.
(With PTI inputs)