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Indian Express
a day ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Jayant Narlikar, the storyteller who brought the stars closer to India
Some people do not come in through the door but rather jump through the roof. Jayant Narlikar was one of them. In 1964, when Fred Hoyle and he announced in Cambridge University their new theory of gravity, suddenly Jawaharlal Nehru's modern India found a hero in science. It is therefore no surprise that Narlikar became a household name overnight in a country seeking its bearings in the world of science and technology. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, just two months short of his 87th birthday on July 19, marking the end of an era. He doesn't leave behind a vacuum but a thriving world-class institute in the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA); a galaxy of young women and men inspired by his work and books; and millions of admirers all over the globe. He has 'curved' a special place for himself in 'time'. That would be the right way to remember him and a fitting tribute. Today, we should celebrate the life of a great human being, committed to science and its propagation, a man who personified excellence in whatever he indulged in. It is a matter of great privilege for some of us who had the opportunity to work with him at various levels. He had the uncanny knack of getting the best out of everyone by sharing and involving them in things. Narlikar was an outstanding student at Cambridge, winning laurels, including the coveted Adams Prize, which he shared with Roger Penrose, who went on to become a Nobel Laureate. He was among the front-ranking researchers of his time. The Hoyle–Narlikar theory was developed in support of the steady state theory of cosmology, which proposed that the universe looks the same from every point in space and at all times, and that it has no beginning or end. However, this theory eventually fell out of favour as astronomical observations provided strong evidence that the universe had a definite beginning, marked by a massive explosion known as the Big Bang. The term 'Big Bang' was actually coined by Hoyle — ironically, one of the main proponents of the steady state theory. Narlikar was, in fact, among the last prominent supporters of the steady state model. He was a brilliant researcher and had the conviction and courage to ride against the tide and still be held in the highest esteem even by his academic opponents. The distinguished visitors to IUCAA, including Nobel laureates, bear testimony to this fact. IUCAA was his greatest gift to science and the nation. He wanted to facilitate research in astronomy in universities. It is gratifying to see university students and faculty doing pathbreaking research and publishing their work in front-ranking journals. This is what would have pleased him the most. The thing that stands out most is his missionary zeal to communicate science and its method to young students and ordinary people through his innumerable public lectures and science-fiction books. It would be no exaggeration to say that it is this aspect that strongly endeared him to people. There are many renowned scientists in the country, but none have attained his kind of popularity and respect. To this end, let me recall an incident from 1997 when he had organised Penrose's lecture in Pune's Balgandharva theatre. Such was the demand to listen to him that there was nearly a riot-like situation with people who could not get in shouting and banging at the gates, and, from the other side, Shriram Lagoo was pacifying them, saying that it was their very own Narlikar's event. The ultimate value of one's work and contribution is how far and how well it is remembered. Besides his scientific work, the two things that will keep his memory alive will be the institute, IUCAA, and his popular writings and science fiction. I am sure that even after 50 years or more, one would certainly come across people who had been motivated by him. Let me end on a personal note. In 1965, three of us travelled from Vallabh Vidyanagar to Ahmedabad to listen to Narlikar's lecture in the Atira hall. Little did I know then that I would end up spending over half a century intimately interacting and working with him. That is something I will always treasure. The writer, a former director of IUCAA, was Narlikar's colleague for five decades
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Narlikar was deeply committed to IUCAA's welfare: Srianand
IUCAA is a living memory of Jayant Narlikar,' said professor R Srianand, director, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) recalling the legacy of the astrophysicist who laid the foundation for one of India's premier research institutions. 'Even decades from now, I believe IUCAA will continue to reflect the ideals he established. Our ideas may evolve with time and context, but the spirit he injected into this institute will remain unchanged.' The Pune International Centre on Saturday hosted the Dr Jayant Narlikar Memorial Lecture as tribute to the life and works of the globally known scientist and founding director of IUCAA. Srianand said, 'One of the most important things I hope to learn from him is how to conduct meaningful, independent research. He was among the few who boldly proposed alternate theories about the universe.' He noted Narlikar's extraordinary ability to engage and continuously inspire students, recalled the structured pace of his lectures — very calm, non-hurried, and deeply impactful. 'You would never feel rushed in his class,' he said. 'He maintained a consistent speed throughout the one hour and yet managed to cover a tremendous amount of material. It reflected the level of preparation and research he brought to his lecture.' Srianand said that Narlikar as an administrator was a very democratic person, tolerant, and deeply committed to the welfare of the IUCAA. 'He had incredible tolerance. Where others might have reacted harshly, he chose to listen and let people be heard. Despite being an internationally respected physicist, Narlikar always remained available for everyone from faculty to driver,' he said. He recalled Narlikar's emotional attachment to IUCAA, especially his continued presence at events such as retirement functions of faculty, and did not impose his ideas on the new director. Professor Ajit Kembhavi said, 'Narlikar, along with Fred Hoyle and others, helped develop the Steady State Theory, which was a serious alternative to the Big Bang. They suggested that new matter is constantly created, so the universe always looks the same and has no beginning. Even though this idea was later set aside after the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation, it was an important and creative theory at the time.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Include a chapter on Narlikar in school textbooks, says Mashelkar
Pune: Jayant Narlikar's legacy should be a chapter in textbooks to inspire young scientists, said Raghunath Mashelkar, president, Pune International Centre (PIC), at a memorial organised for the astrophysicist on Saturday. Ajit Kembhavi, former director, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, and R. Srianand, the current director of IUCAA, also spoke about Narlikar and his work. Mashelkar, who joined the meet via a video call, recalled, "He fought pseudoscience with reason, not ridicule. At a meeting in Delhi, there was an effort to introduce astrology in the syllabus, and he was one of the first to stand up and say astrology is not science. There are very few people who dare to do that. When we write the next set of textbooks in all languages, there should be a lesson on the legacy that Dr Narlikar left behind, particularly in Maharashtra. Budding scientists will learn from his legacy." Kembhavi, who was a PhD student of Narlikar and went on to work with him for 53 years, spoke about the science that made the man. "Everybody knows about the Big Bang theory— that the universe began with a big explosion. But Narlikar didn't believe in it; he believed in the quasi-steady state theory, which in a way meant the universe has always remained the same. He did not like a universe which was born on Wednesday and was finished on Friday, along with space and time," quipped Kembhavi, adding how, in the beginning, he worked on something close to Narlikar's theory but soon changed course—yet never faced any opposition from Narlikar. "He always said, 'Do what you like and believe in it.' That was his principle, which was also reflected in the way IUCAA was built and run," said Kembhavi. He spoke about the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity, which is an alternative to Einstein's general theory of relativity, and Narlikar's belief in life beyond Earth and the atmospheric experiments he proposed to trace whether life originated from outside. R. Srianand, director of IUCAA, spoke about how it was IUCAA's associateship programme that helped him—a PhD student in Bhubaneswar—finally become the director of IUCAA. "Not everybody can be in Tata Institute of Fundamental Research or Cambridge. IUCAA is for every scientist who thinks he or she missed the bus. Doing astronomy is an expensive affair, and resources are confined to a few elite institutes. What Narlikar did was to give a chance to researchers from across the country to access these resources at IUCAA. So, I am standing here to just say that whatever was envisioned in establishing IUCAA has already happened. The fact that I am the director of IUCAA is the success of professor Narlikar and also the success of IUCAA's concept," said Srianand.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
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. ⬇️ — 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… — 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.
Economic Times
25-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
Jayant Vishnu Narlikar: The great astrophysicist believed it's essential to have voices who question mainstream dogma
In June 1995, Cambridge University's Institute of Astronomy (IoA) celebrated the 80th birthday of its founder, the renowned physicist Fred Hoyle. Members of the original team who helped establish one of the world's leading scientific institutions in 1972 were invited. Among them was Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, one of the founding faculty of IoA, and one of Hoyle's old research students. Narlikar was then founding director of Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, a place modelled closed after IoA. At the summer garden party on one of those rare English sunny afternoons, Hoyle, the most important figure in Britain's post-WW2 astronomy and space sciences establishment, was asked to speak about his life in science. In a letter to Robert Hooke in 1675, another Cambridge scientist, Isaac Newton, had famously said, 'If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.' Hoyle started his speech about his main contributions to astronomy by saying, 'If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of a Jayant.' In the 1960s, Narlikar, with his mentor Hoyle, developed a work that's arguably the finest among their scientific oeuvres. Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity presented an alternative to Einstein's general relativity by fundamentally incorporating Mach's Principle. Think of it this way: what if the weight and mass (inertia) of an object isn't just something it has by itself, but is actually influenced by everything else in the universe? Unlike Einstein's theory of relativity, which sees gravity as a warping of space and time, Hoyle and Narlikar proposed that gravity is a direct interaction between all particles in the universe, near and far. Their theory also included a unique concept called the 'creation field', which meant new matter constantly appearing to keep the universe expanding without becoming empty. This was consistent with their model of the universe-steady state theory-which believes the universe to be infinite in age and expanse. While we now have strong evidence for the Big Bang model-which believes the universe began from a point almost 14 bn years ago-this theory was a bold and thought-provoking alternative that pushed scientists to think differently about how our universe works. Celebrity came early to Jayant Narlikar. He was a decorated student, a senior wrangler in Cambridge mathematics with lots of prizes under his belt. With his work on cosmology with Hoyle being discussed in the halls of science across the world, the Indian government laid out a red carpet for him to return to India and set up a strong group in physics and astronomy research at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), from which would hopefully spawn many others. In 1988, UGC created for him his own institution, IUCAA, in Pune, to help build astronomy and cosmology teaching and research in all the universities across India. At 27, he had been awarded the Padma Bhushan, which later became a Padma Vibhashan as he stepped off his 3-term stint as director of IUCAA. Narlikar's approach to the nature of gravity, even at an early stage of his career, showed that at heart, he was a maverick. As most cosmologists grew comfortable accepting the Big Bang model, Narlikar held his ground that the steady state had to be the answer. As more evidence was unearthed in favour of Big Bang, he responded with alternative explanations. With Geoff Burbidge and others, he proposed the quasi-steady state model, a universe that contracts and expands, cycling endlessly, with no beginning. The cosmic microwave background, which is the strongest evidence in support of the Big Bang, was elegantly explained with a kind of interstellar dust. Models of dust led to more problems. But Narlikar was undeterred. He refused to stop thinking, or reimagining. He was not a contrarian, but somebody who believed that it's essential to have voices who question mainstream IUCAA director, I cherished Narlikar's daily presence at the institute in his office next to the library, where I would regularly go for discussions and advice. In the entire time I worked with him, I found his allegiance to his theories never to be dogmatic. In front of students and other academics, he would be open to all-out debate about anything he did or did not believe in. He would argue with impeccable rigour, ever fact that I often contradicted him in academic debates was never held personally against me, or anybody else. Narlikar was a professional academic in every sense of the term.I got interested in astronomy as a child from his books, and Carl Sagan, whose TV series, 'Cosmos,' he brought to Doordarshan audiences. Later on, as I worked alongside him to bring science to the public, especially to young people, I saw the true Jayant Narlikar-the maverick who was not afraid to question the core dogmas of science, as well as all-pervasive pseudo-science in society, embodied in astrology and general was truly a giant, not just of astrophysics or academia, but of rational thought and expression, and spent a lifetime very effectively communicating this to the rest of the world. There won't be another of his kind. Adieu.
