Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar

Eminent astrophysicist, science communicator, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away in Pune on May 20, 2025. He was 87.

About Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar

• Born on July 19, 1938, and educated in the intellectually vibrant atmosphere of Banaras Hindu University, Dr. Narlikar went on to earn global recognition for his pioneering work in cosmology, particularly in alternative models of the universe.

• A close collaborator of Sir Fred Hoyle, Dr. Narlikar was one of the original proponents of the Steady State Theory of the universe.

• Perhaps his most lasting institutional legacy is the establishment of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune in 1988. As its Founder Director, he shaped IUCAA into a premier hub of research and training in astronomy that earned global respect. Even after his retirement in 2003, he continued to contribute actively as Emeritus Professor.

• Beyond his scientific achievements, he was deeply committed to science communication, writing extensively in English and regional languages to make science accessible to the public. His receipt of the UNESCO Kalinga Award in 1996 highlighted his outstanding efforts in this field.

• Honoured with the Padma Bhushan at the remarkable age of 26 in 1965, and later the Padma Vibhushan in 2004, Dr. Narlikar’s long list of accolades also includes the Maharashtra Bhushan and the TWAS prize in 2012 for institution-building.

(Source: TH)