How Jayant Narlikar inspired generations of students through Science popularisation efforts
Jayant Narlikar, an eminent astrophysicist who passed away in Pune on May 20, 2025, has left behind a legacy of inspired minds. It is no less known a fact that Mr. Narlikar dedicated significant time and effort to Science popularisation. Inspired by Michael Faraday and his mentor Fred Hoyle, Mr. Narlikar worked to popularise Science through articles, books, speeches, and media.
His small acts of kindness, such as replying to postcards, emails, and letters sent by students, attending school exhibitions and interacting with young minds, delivering a guest lectures at various universities left a lasting impression that shaped students' lives. 'Narlikar was an excellent communicator. He could convey complex scientific concepts to the general public simply and engagingly', says Ajit Kembhavi, Mr. Narlikar's student and former director of IUCAA.
Narlikar's drive towards Science popularisation
Mr. Narlikar started blogging about eventful and meaningful stories and lessons from his life in January 2024. In the blog, 'Sharing the Thrills of Science', he talks about his drive towards Science popularisation. In the blog, Mr. Narlikar talks about Faraday's knack for presenting scientific discoveries in simple language, and how his lectures inspired a liking for science in the general public.
In the same blog, he acknowledges the guidance he received from Fred Hoyle. Mr. Narlikar writes, 'He (Mr. Hoyle) not only showed me the necessity of keeping an open mind while doing scientific research but also the enjoyment one derives from conveying one's findings to lay audiences. When I returned to India after some ten years of post-doctoral research, I continued my interest in Science popularisation.'
Also Read: Jayant Narlikar: The Indian astrophysicist and sci-fi writer who challenged 'Big Bang'
Mr. Narlikar held the directorship of IUCAA until his retirement in 2003. Under his direction, IUCAA didn't just acquire recognition as a hub of teaching and research in Astronomy and Astrophysics, but also as a hub for public outreach. Mr. Kembhavi recollects, 'Hundreds of school children would visit the campus for Saturday lectures, even though it was under construction. These students who are now, in their middle age, still remember the way Mr. Narlikar inspired them'.
Notes from students
Mr. Kembhavi recollects that Mr. Narlikar was always enthusiastic to answer questions from his audience. But he always politely declined their requests for an autograph. He, however, would offer to send a signed reply for a postcard.
After his passing, many students wrote heartfelt notes on social media recollecting the moment Mr. Narlikar changed their lives. Rahul Bagal, Co-Founder and Director, IncubXperts, who received a postcard reply from Mr. Narlikar, in a post on LinkedIn writes, 'For many of us who grew up with a curiosity about the universe, Dr. Narlikar was more than just a scientist. He was an inspiration — someone who made science feel accessible and exciting.'
Mr. Bagal recollects his meeting with Mr. Narlikar during a school science exhibition in Sangli. He remembers him being nervous and Mr. Nalikar engaging in a conversation with him patiently. Later, when Mr. Bagal sent him a letter full of questions, he was happiest when he received a response from Mr. Narlikar. 'Looking back, I wonder — why would one of India's busiest scientists take the time to write back to a small-town student? Because that's who he was. He believed in nurturing curiosity, in encouraging young minds to ask questions, to explore, and to imagine', he writes.
Another LinkedIn user, Kaustubh Agashe, CFA, talks about how Mr. Narlikar's Maths and Science writings in Marathi made the subjects accessible for him. Mr. Agashe was one of the many students who could visit IUCAA for Mr. Narlikar's lectures and was deeply inspired by him. 'He wrote extensively in Marathi, something which is very rare and much needed, which is: an authority in any field writing in Marathi to communicate with the people who otherwise would not get exposure to that knowledge', says Mr. Agashe.
Raj Bagwe, an ISSER Pune student, notes on X, 'Jayant and Mangala Narlikar were an inspiration for countless kids like me across Maharashtra and beyond. I remember attending a public colloquium of theirs 7 years ago in Aurangabad. Jayant asked us a brainteaser and told us to email him the answer. I mailed him on the 2nd of December, and received a reply on my birthday the next day. The best birthday gift for a 12-year-old. They will always hold a dear place in my heart'.
Rest in Peace 💐
Jayant and Mangala Narlikar were an inspiration for countless kids like me across Maharashtra and beyond. I remember attending a public colloquium of theirs 7 years ago in Aurangabad. Jayant asked us a brainteaser and told us to email him the answer. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9K1G0ZyAy4 — RaJ Bagwe (@your_local_raj) May 20, 2025
Ponnala Lakshmaiah writes on X, 'I recall the day of his lecture in our Osmani Engg College during 19664 - 1965, who came on our college invitation, which remains as an inspiration forever in our minds'.
Office@Ponnala
Jayanth Narlikar
( of Hoyle - Narlikar Theory of Gravity , Fame )
I feel sorry to hear of the passing of
Dr. Jayant Narlikar, on May 20, 2025
I recall the day of his lecture in our Osmani Engg College during 19664 - 1965 who came on our college invitation which… pic.twitter.com/Bh23efOK2L — Ponnala Lakshmaiah (@PonnalaLaksmiah) May 21, 2025
Another X user notes that he was named after Mr. Narlikar, as his father, during his student days, was inspired by the astrophysicist. This shows the profound impact Mr. Narlikar had on the student community.
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