Padma Vibhushan Awardee and Renowned Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar Passes Away at 87
- Padma Vibhushan awardee and renowned astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar dies at 87 in Pune
- Eminent cosmologist known for science communication and fiction breathes his last
- Passed away in sleep after recent hip surgery, say family sources
Renowned astrophysicist, science communicator, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away in Pune on Tuesday at the age of 87. According to family sources cited by PTI, Dr. Narlikar died peacefully in his sleep. He had recently undergone hip surgery at a city-based hospital. He is survived by his three daughters.
Dr. Narlikar was a towering figure in Indian science, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to cosmology, his deep commitment to science communication, and his instrumental role in building premier research institutions across India.
Born on July 19, 1938, on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father Prof. Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar was the Head of the Mathematics Department, he pursued early education at BHU. Later, he studied at Cambridge University, earning the prestigious titles of Wrangler and Tyson Medallist in the Mathematical Tripos.
Returning to India, Dr. Narlikar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1972, where he significantly expanded the Theoretical Astrophysics Group, earning it global recognition. In 1988, he was invited by the University Grants Commission to establish the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. As its Founder Director, he led the institution until his retirement in 2003, transforming IUCAA into a globally respected centre of excellence in astronomy and astrophysics. He later served as Emeritus Professor at IUCAA.
Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Narlikar was a prolific science communicator, authoring numerous books and articles, and engaging the public through radio, television, and science fiction. His dedication to making science accessible earned him the UNESCO Kalinga Award in 1996.
Over the years, Dr. Narlikar was honored with several prestigious accolades. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1965 at just 26 years old, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2004. In 2011, the Maharashtra government conferred upon him the Maharashtra Bhushan award. His autobiography received the Sahitya Akademi award in 2014 for best Marathi writing.
Dr. Jayant Narlikar leaves behind a legacy of scientific excellence and a lifelong commitment to inspiring curiosity about the universe.
