Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
India lost one of its brightest stars in the cosmos of science as Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away peacefully in his sleep early Tuesday morning in Pune. He was 87.
Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
A stalwart in astrophysics, a passionate science communicator, and a visionary institution-builder, Dr. Narlikar leaves behind a legacy as vast and profound as the universe he studied. Recently recovering from hip surgery, he was surrounded by family and is survived by his three daughters.
Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
Born on July 19, 1938, into an academic family in the vibrant campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father led the Mathematics Department, young Jayant was destined for brilliance. He went on to Cambridge University, where he shone bright earning distinctions like Wrangler and Tyson Medallist in the Mathematical Tripos.
Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
After returning to India, Dr. Narlikar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1972. There, he led the Theoretical Astrophysics Group to global prominence. But perhaps his most enduring contribution came in 1988, when the University Grants Commission invited him to establish a national center for astrophysics. Thus, was born the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, with Narlikar as its founding director. Under his leadership until 2003, IUCAA emerged as a beacon for astronomical research and education.
Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
Even after retirement, Dr. Narlikar continued to inspire as Emeritus Professor at IUCAA. In 2012, his efforts were recognized internationally when the Third World Academy of Sciences honoured him for building a scientific center of excellence.
Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
But his brilliance wasn’t confined to the lab or classroom. Dr. Narlikar was also a gifted science communicator through books, articles, TV and radio programs, and even science fiction stories that ignited young minds. In 1996, UNESCO honored him with the Kalinga Award for his outstanding work in popularizing science.
Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
A man of many accolades, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1965 at just 26 years of age, the Padma Vibhushan in 2004, and the Maharashtra Bhushan in 2011. In 2014, his autobiography won the Sahitya Akademi award for the best work in Marathi literature.
Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away
Dr. Jayant Narlikar didn’t just study the stars, he became one. His passing marks the end of an era, but his ideas, institutions, and imagination will continue to illuminate the skies of Indian science for generations to come.
