On May 20, 2025, the eminent astrophysicist, teacher and science communicator Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, passed away in Pune at the age of 87. Narlikar is honored for his work in cosmology and for helping promote science which continues to motivate countless people today.
Early Life and Education
Jayant Narlikar, who was born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, was part of a family full of academics. Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, his father, was famous for his work as a math and physics professor at Banaras Hindu University and as a mathematician. The lively exchange of ideas at home captured Francis’ interest in science.
He studied for his bachelor’s degree at Banaras Hindu University and then enrolled at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. At Cambridge, he earned his Tripos in mathematics and worked on doctoral research in astronomy which opened up a successful career in astrophysics.
Scientific Contributions
Hoyle–Narlikar Theory of Gravity
Together with Sir Fred Hoyle, Narlikar introduced the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity. Another name for this theory is the conformal theory of gravity which takes a Machian and conformal view of gravity. It brings the idea that the gravitational constant G can have any value, based on the average density of all matter in the universe which contradicts modern ideas about gravity.
Quasi-Steady State Cosmology
Like many before him, Narlikar believed in the quasi-steady state cosmology as an alternative to the Big Bang theory. QSSC holds that creation occurs periodically in the universe, helping it to keep balance and remain steady. The model discussed how the universe has continued to develop and expand since the beginning.
Space Research and Microbial Life
As well as physics theory, Narlikar worked on space research projects. He thought that Earth was regularly hit by tiny microorganisms arriving from other planets. As proof, he organised an experiment focusing on obtaining microorganisms from the upper layers of air. Together with the CCMB and NCCS, researchers found that many bacterial species are able to live through exposure to ultraviolet light. This discovery allowed scientists to dig deeper into panspermia, a belief that life exists across the cosmos and is transported by space particles, meteoroids, comets or unintentionally by spacecraft with microbes .
Institution Building and Leadership
In 1988, Narlikar set up the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, India. Because he was the institute’s first director, he greatly contributed to its growth as a leader in research and education of astronomy and astrophysics in the country. On the IUCAA team, I had the opportunity to be part of a dynamic center for science that brought together various Indian universities and sought to influence the research done globally.
Science Communication and Advocacy
Narlikar was known as both a respected scientist and an enthusiastic promoter of science. He wrote books in English, Hindi and Marathi, hoping to help the general public understand complex science. Among his books are nonfiction and fiction titles, including “An Introduction to Cosmology”, “From Black Clouds to Black Holes” and “The Return of Vaman”. He has shown through these publications that he wants to close the gap between scientists and the public.
As well as writing, Narlikar spoke at public events, featured on programs and helped with educational efforts. As a consultant, he played a key role in shaping the textbooks for Science and Mathematics in schools run by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
Awards and Recognition
During his career, Narlikar earned many awards for the work he did in science and education. In 2004, he was given the Padma Vibhushan, followed by the Padma Bhushan in 1965, both prestigious civilian awards from India. He was given the UNESCO Kalinga Prize for Science Popularization, the Prix Jules Janssen from the French Astronomical Society and the Sahitya Akademi Award for his work in Marathi, Chaar Nagarantale Maze Vishwa.
In 2022, the Astronomical Society of India chose to recognize him with the first Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement Award because of his many years of commitment to astronomy and the impact he had on its growth in India.
Personal Life and Legacy
He connected his private life with the areas he worked in. He was married to Mangala Narlikar, a mathematician and educator. Mangala Narlikar died in 2023. Their daughters followed careers in science. His continued support of learning and science comes from his family.
Apart from what he achieved in science, Narlikar is remembered for constantly advocating for rational thinking. He worked hard to expose pseudoscience and support arguments based on evidence. He has significantly changed the field of science, motivating later scientists to study the universe with suspicion and interest.
Conclusion
Throughout his life, Jayant Vishnu Narlikar embodied great science, courage and a firm dedication to education. Fred Hoyle’s outstanding achievements in cosmology, particularly with the Hoyle–Narlikar theory and the quasi-steady state model, proved his courage to challenge accepted beliefs and suggest new systems for explaining the universe. Not only was Narlikar very creative, but he was also strongly dedicated to bringing science within reach of all people.
Using IUCAA, his literature and activism, Narlikar was always a strong advocate for sensible science. The impact of his work goes beyond universities, as it impacts classrooms, institutions and imagination all over.
When we think about Jayant Narlikar, we appreciate a man who was involved with astronomy and also cared deeply about the well-being of our world. He shows us that science is also about an approach to life, one that is interested, asks questions and remains fearless. For many years, Narlikar’s efforts will inspire and direct us as we try to learn more about the universe and where we stand in it.
