Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Jayant Narlikar: A Pioneer in Science and Literature

Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, a distinguished Indian astrophysicist and science communicator, passed away on May 20, 2025, in Pune at the age of 87. Renowned for his significant contributions to cosmology and his efforts to popularize science, Dr. Narlikar's legacy continues to inspire generations.

🌌 A Life Dedicated to Science

Dr. Narlikar's academic journey began at Banaras Hindu University, followed by a stellar tenure at Cambridge University, where he earned his Ph.D. under the mentorship of Sir Fred Hoyle. His research challenged prevailing cosmological models, notably proposing alternatives to the Big Bang theory, such as the Steady State and Quasi-Steady State models. He served as the founding director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, significantly advancing India's position in global astrophysical research.

📚 A Prolific Writer and Educator

Beyond his scientific endeavors, Dr. Narlikar was a prolific writer, authoring numerous books in English, Marathi, and Hindi. His works encompassed both non-fiction and fiction, aiming to make complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public.

Non-Fiction Works

• English:

  • An Introduction to Cosmology (2002)

  • A Different Approach to Cosmology (2000)

  • Fred Hoyle’s Universe (2003)

  • Scientific Edge: The Indian Scientist from Vedic to Modern Times (2003)

  • Seven Wonders of the Cosmos (1995)

  • From Black Clouds to Black Holes (1996)

• Marathi:

  • आकाशाशी जडले नाते (Akashashi Jadale Nate)

  • नभात हसरे तारे (Nabhat Hasare Tare)

Fiction Works

• English:

  • The Return of Vaman (1990)

  • The Adventure

  • The Comet

• Marathi:

  • वामन परत न आला (Waman Parat Naa Aala)

  • यक्षांची देणगी (Yakshanchi Denagi)

  • अभयारण्य (Abhayāranya)

  • व्हायरस (Virus)

  • प्रेषित (Preshit)

  • अंतराळातील भस्मासूर (Antarālatīl Bhasmāsūr)

  • टाईम मशीनची किमया (Ṭā'im Maśīnchī Kimayā)

  • उजव्या सोंडेचा गणपती (Ujavyā Sonḍēcā Gaṇapathī)

• Hindi:

  • पार नज़र के (Pār Nazar Ke)

His contributions to science education extended to his role as a consultant for NCERT's science and mathematics textbooks, shaping curricula that continue to influence students across India.

🏅 Honours and Recognition

Dr. Narlikar's exemplary work earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Padma Vibhushan (2004)

• Padma Bhushan (1965)

• Maharashtra Bhushan Award (2010)

• Kalinga Prize from UNESCO for science communication (1996)

• Sahitya Akademi Award for his autobiography Chaar Nagarantale Maze Vishwa (2014)

His death marks the loss of a distinguished scholar and beloved science communicator.

🧬 A Lasting Impact

Dr. Narlikar's dedication to bridging the gap between complex scientific theories and public understanding has left an indelible mark. His writings continue to serve as valuable resources for those interested in the cosmos and the wonders of science.

📘 Recommended Reads

For those interested in exploring Dr. Narlikar's works, consider starting with:

• An Introduction to Cosmology – A comprehensive guide to the universe's origins and structure.

• The Return of Vaman – A science fiction novel blending mythology with astrophysics.

• Scientific Edge – An exploration of India's scientific heritage and contributions.Infogalactic+1Wikipedia+1

These works offer a glimpse into the mind of a scientist who not only explored the universe but also made it accessible to all.

📘 Sources

1. Wikipedia – Jayant Narlikar: A comprehensive overview of Dr. Narlikar's life, contributions, and bibliography.

   • Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayant_Narlikar

2. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction: Detailed entries on Dr. Narlikar's science fiction works.

   • Link: https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/narlikar_jayant_v

3. The Economic Times: News article on Dr. Narlikar's passing and his contributions to science.

   • Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/jayant-narlikar-passes-away-at-87-who-was-the-celebrated-astrophysicist-padma-vibhushan-awardee/articleshow/121283130.cms

4. Wikipedia – Geeta Narlikar: Information on Dr. Narlikar's daughter, Geeta Narlikar, a biochemist.

   • Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geeta_NarlikarWikipedia

5. Wikipedia – Amrita Narlikar: Information on Dr. Narlikar's daughter, Amrita Narlikar, an academic.

   • Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amrita_Narlikar