Pune: Renowned Astrophysicist And Science Writer Dr. Jayant Narlikar Passes Away At 86
Pune, 20th May 2025: Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, one of India’s most celebrated astrophysicists and science writers, passed away at the age of 86 at his residence in Pune due to age-related ailments. His death marks a profound loss to the scientific and literary communities. Dr. Narlikar was widely revered for his groundbreaking contributions to astrophysics and his tireless efforts in popularizing science among the general public.
Born on 19th July 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Dr. Narlikar was the son of Prof. Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, a mathematics professor at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Sumati Narlikar, a scholar of Sanskrit. He completed his early education in Varanasi and graduated with a B.Sc. in first rank from BHU in 1957. He later attended the University of Cambridge, earning the distinction of Wrangler in the Mathematical Tripos, followed by a Ph.D. and a D.Sc.
Dr. Narlikar was married in 1965 to Dr. Mangala Narlikar, a mathematician and collaborator in both his scientific and literary endeavors. She passed away in 2023. Over the years, he was recognized with numerous national and international honors, including fellowships from the Royal Astronomical Society and the Cambridge Philosophical Society.
Dr. Narlikar gained international acclaim for developing the Hoyle–Narlikar Theory in collaboration with British astrophysicist Sir Fred Hoyle. This theory offered a novel perspective on gravitation and the mass of particles and served as an alternative to the Big Bang theory through the steady state model. His research on white holes also drew significant attention.
Returning to India in 1972, Dr. Narlikar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) as a professor. In 1988, he founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune and served as its director until 2003. From 1994 to 1997, he chaired the Cosmology Commission of the International Astronomical Union.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Narlikar was a gifted writer in Marathi, Hindi, and English. His literary works, including Antaralatil Bhasmasur (The Demon of Space), Vaman Parat Na Ala, Virus, and Char Nagarantle Maze Vishva (My Universe Across Four Cities), made science accessible and engaging for readers. His autobiography received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014. In 1996, UNESCO honored him with the prestigious Kalinga Prize for his contributions to the popularization of science.
The passing of Dr. Jayant Narlikar is a significant blow to both science and literature. His pioneering research, dedication to education, and unique ability to bridge science with storytelling will continue to inspire generations. His legacy remains a priceless asset to Indian intellectual and cultural heritage.
