Remembering Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar: India’s pioneering astrophysicist

Shivaprasad Khened, former director of the Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai and National Science Centre, Delhi

As we mourn Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar's loss, we also celebrate the life of a towering figure in astrophysics, cosmology and a science communicator. He was a man with an extraordinary intellect, curiosity and dedication to unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos. Dr Narlikar's contributions to theoretical astrophysics, his role in nurturing scientific talent in India and his efforts to make science accessible to all will inspire generations. The Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai, from where I retired as director, had the honour to have Dr Jayant Narlikar serve as the chairman of its executive committee for two terms.

Family of scholars

Born on July 19, 1938 in Kolhapur, to a family of scholars - his father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar was a distinguished mathematician and his mother Sumati Narlikar a renowned Sanskrit scholar - Dr Narlikar's path to greatness seemed almost predestined. His academic brilliance shone early, from his education at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) to his illustrious tenure at Cambridge University, where he earned multiple degrees, including a PhD in 1963. He had accolades like the Smith's Prize in 1962 and the Adams Prize in 1967. It was at Cambridge under the mentorship of the legendary Fred Hoyle, that Dr Narlikar began shaping modern cosmology, most notably through the development of the Hoyle-Narlikar Theory, or Quasi-Steady State Cosmology (QSSC). This bold alternative to the Big Bang theory proposed a universe in constant expansion with continuous matter creation, sparking debates that enriched cosmological discourse.

Master of communication

Dr Narlikar's work extended beyond cosmology to profound contributions in understanding black holes and active galactic nuclei. His concept of "self-gravitating systems" illuminated the gravitational dynamics around black holes, while his "magnetic field ejection model" offered insights into the behaviour of energetic galactic sources. Returning to India in 1972 Dr Narlikar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) where he elevated the Theoretical Astrophysics Group to international prominence. In 1988, he founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, serving as director until 2003. Post retirement, he remained a guiding light for the institution which he painstakingly built.

Bridge

Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr Narlikar was a master communicator, bridging the gap between complex science and the public. His popular science writings, fiction, and media engagements, often in his native Marathi, captivated audiences, especially young students. Works like Athenscha Plague and Vaman Parat Na Aala presciently explored themes of pandemics and artificial intelligence, resonating eerily with today's world.

Memories

I recall several interactions with Dr Narlikar and hosting him for his lectures at Nehru Science Centre. I am reminded of taking Dr Narlikar on a walkthrough of an exhibition which I had curated: ‘100 Years of Nobel Prizes' in 2001. I recall his appreciation of a lesser-known image of Prof. S Chandrasekhar that was included in the exhibition, which remains a cherished memory. Incidentally, the 100 Years of Nobel Prizes travelling exhibition was to be exhibited only at the science centres under NCSM. Dr Narlikar, having heard about this exhibition, made a special request to the then DG of NCSM, to bring this exhibition to IUCAA, and for the first time this exhibition was presented at IUCAA, Pune.

The inspiration

Dr Narlikar not only expanded our understanding of the universe, but also inspired countless individuals to dream big and pursue knowledge. Let us commit to carrying forward his vision - nurturing scientific inquiry, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to illuminate the cosmos and our lives.

Rest in Peace, Dr Narlikar.