Renowned Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away At 87 In Pune

Renowned astrophysicist, scientific spokesperson, and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, passed away at the age of 87 in Pune on Tuesday (20 May), Hindustan Times reported.

Relatives have verified that he passed away serenely in his sleep, leaving behind his three daughters. Those informed about the family's situation indicate that the funeral rites are expected to take place on Wednesday.

Narlikar, a trailblazer in the field of cosmology and science popularisation, played a crucial role in the foundation of significant scientific institutions and the development of numerous generations of researchers.

Life

He was born on 19 July 1938 and grew up on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, was the Head of the Mathematics department.

His education continued at Cambridge University, where he excelled in the Mathematical Tripos, earning him the Tyson Medal and the distinction of being a Wrangler.

Upon his return to India, Narlikar became a part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1972, where he spearheaded the Theoretical Astrophysics Group until 1989. Under his leadership, the group achieved international acclaim.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) appointed him in 1988 to set up the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) located within the Savitribai Phule Pune University campus.

Serving as the founding director until his retirement in 2003, he played a crucial role in transforming IUCAA into a globally recognised center for astronomy research and education. Even after his retirement, he maintained his connection with IUCAA as an Emeritus Professor.

Achievements

Dr Narlikar gained global recognition for his research and efforts in science outreach. He was honored by the Third World Academy of Sciences in 2012 for establishing a science excellence center.

Prior to that, in 1996, he received the Kalinga Prize from UNESCO for his significant contributions to the field of popular science writing and communication. He wrote numerous science-related books and articles, gaining recognition for his captivating science-fiction work.

Beyond the written word, he connected with people through TV and radio shows, skillfully simplifying intricate scientific ideas for the general public's understanding.

Narlikar received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 1965, a remarkable achievement considering he was only 26 years old at the time, adding to his extensive list of accolades.

In 2004, he was honored with the Padma Vibhushan. Following this, in 2011, he was bestowed with the Maharashtra Bhushan, the highest civilian award by the Maharashtra government. His Marathi autobiography earned him the Sahitya Akademi award in 2014.