Who Was Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar? Eminent Astrophysicist Dies At 87

Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, one of India's most celebrated astrophysicists and science writers and communicators, passed away on Tuesday.

Dr Narlikar, who had undergone a hip surgery, was aged 87. He is survived by three daughters.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar grew up in an academic environment at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father, Prof. Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, headed the Mathematics Department, and his mother, Sumati Narlikar, was a Sanskrit scholar.

After an outstanding academic record at BHU, where he earned his B.Sc. (1957), he moved to Cambridge University for higher studies. There, he distinguished himself as a Wrangler and Tyson Medallist in the Mathematical Tripos. He earned multiple degrees at Cambridge: B.A. (1960), Ph.D. (1963), M.A. (1964), and Sc.D. (1976), specializing in astronomy and astrophysics. His brilliance was recognized with the Smith's Prize (1962) and the Adams Prize (1967).

Academic and Research Career

From 1963-1972, he served as a Fellow of King's College, Cambridge, and was a Founding Member of the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy (1966-72). During this time, he collaborated with Sir Fred Hoyle, making significant contributions to cosmology and astrophysics, including alternative models to the Big Bang theory.

In 1972, he returned to India to join the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), where he expanded the Theoretical Astrophysics Group into a globally recognized research unit. In 1988, he was invited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, serving as its Founding Director until 2003. Under his leadership, IUCAA became a world-class institution for astronomy and astrophysics. Post-retirement, he continued as an Emeritus Professor at IUCAA.

Scientific Contributions

Dr. Narlikar was a pioneer in cosmology, challenging conventional theories and exploring Mach's Principle, quantum cosmology, and action-at-a-distance physics. His work extended to quasars, black holes, and space biology.

From 1999 onwards, he led a multi-institutional team conducting high-altitude experiments (up to 41 km) to detect microorganisms in the stratosphere. Findings from 2001 and 2005 revealed live bacteria, suggesting the possibility of panspermia-microbial life arriving from space.

Science Communication and Literary Work

Beyond research, Dr. Narlikar was a renowned science communicator, writing books, articles, and science fiction, and hosting radio and TV programs. His efforts earned him UNESCO's Kalinga Award (1996) for popularizing science. His Marathi autobiography won the Sahitya Akademi Award (2014).

Awards and Honors

Padma Bhushan (1965) - at just 26 years old

Padma Vibhushan (2004)

Maharashtra Bhushan (2011) - Maharashtra's highest civilian honor

Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award

M.P. Birla Award

Prix Janssen (French Astronomical Society)

Associate of the Royal Astronomical Society, London

Fellow of all three Indian National Science Academies

Third World Academy of Sciences Prize (2012)

Personal Life

He married Dr. Mangala Rajwade (Ph.D. in Mathematics) in 1966. They have three daughters-Geeta, Girija, and Leelavati-all of whom pursued careers in scientific research.

Legacy

Dr. Narlikar's contributions to astrophysics, cosmology, and science education have left an indelible mark on India's scientific landscape. His work continues to inspire future generations of researchers and science enthusiasts.