Eminent astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar passes away in Pune at 86

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis (in navy blue jacket), his deputies and cabinet ministers pay tribute to Dr Jayant Narlikar on May 20. PICs/PTI

Eminent astrophysicist Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence in Pune on May 20. He was 86. Internationally renowned for his contributions to cosmology, Dr Narlikar, who was also the founder of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), 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, Dr Narlikar pursued his early education in Varanasi before completing his PhD at the University of Cambridge under Sir Fred Hoyle. Returning to India, he joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, where, under his charge, the Theoretical Astrophysics Group expanded and acquired international standing.

Dr Jayant Narlikar, astrophysicist and science communicator

Dr Narlikar 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 the IUCAA until his retirement in 2003. Dr Narlikar was also a prolific science communicator. He authored numerous books and articles in English, Hindi, and Marathi, spanning advanced scientific literature, 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.

Dr Narlikar is survived by his three daughters - Geeta, Girija, and Leelavati - all of whom are involved in scientific research. 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.

With agency inputs

Condolences Pour In

Droupadi Murmu, President of India
‘An internationally acclaimed scientist, Dr Narlikar has left an indelible mark through his body of work, which will inspire generations to come. His passion for popularising science helped in educating a large number of people, especially the youth. I extend my condolences to members of his family, friends and admirers'

Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister
‘He explained complex subjects like astronomy 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 Maharashtra government has decided to cremate his body with state honours'

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
‘Dr Jayant Narlikar 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'

Jairam Ramesh, Congress MP
‘He wore his remarkable learning in various disciplines very lightly, and he combined to an unusual degree formidable scholarship with humility. He was well and truly a most luminous star of Indian science, who reflected the noblest of our civilisational traditions'

Dr S Somanath, Former ISRO chairman
‘The country had 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'