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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.
Hindustan Times
26-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
How MBA Programmes Are Embracing Tech and Analytics
The business world is undergoing a significant transformation, influenced by technology and data-driven decision-making. As industries adapt to the digital age, MBA programmes are evolving to meet the demands of this changing landscape. Traditional business education is evolving. Today's aspiring managers and leaders are often expected to be proficient in analytics, familiar with digital tools, and ready to respond to evolving market conditions. This shift is influencing how MBA programmes are structured, what they teach, and the professionals they aim to develop. One notable change is the increasing integration of technology and analytics into MBA curricula. Business schools are introducing courses in areas like data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and business analytics to help students understand the digital economy. These subjects are becoming important components of MBA education. This evolution is occurring partly because businesses are generating and utilising more data. From consumer behaviour insights to financial forecasting, and from operations management to HR analytics, data is relevant to strategic decision-making. Organisations are seeking professionals who can understand business challenges and use data to address them. Consequently, data literacy is becoming an important skill for future business leaders. MBA programmes are incorporating tech tools and analytical techniques into the learning process. Students may be expected to gain hands-on experience with tools like Python for predictive modelling, R for data visualisation, or Tableau for dashboard creation. These tools are increasingly relevant in a manager's toolkit. Additionally, specialisations in business analytics and digital transformation allow students to explore the intersection of business and technology in greater depth. These pathways can offer immersive experiences where students learn about data handling, machine learning models, and how to communicate insights to stakeholders. This combination of technical skills and strategic thinking can be valuable for MBA graduates. For example, MBA in Business Analytics at Manav Rachna University (MRU) is designed to combine business fundamentals with analytics tools and methodologies. The programme is developed in academic collaboration with the Institute of Analytics (IoA), UK, and delivered in partnership with ISDC (International Skill Development Corporation). Students receive training in tools like Python, R, Tableau, and Excel-based modelling. This programme uses an application-based learning model, where students can work on projects across industries, including finance, marketing, operations, and fraud analytics. Through case studies, capstone projects, and mentorship, they can learn to apply analytics to address business challenges. Students may also receive affiliate membership with the Institute of Analytics (IoA), offering potential international recognition and access to a professional network. The programme aims to develop technical expertise, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities, which are important for leadership roles in data-centric environments. MRU also facilitates internship and placement opportunities for students through its industry connections and collaboration with the IoA. Graduates from this programme may pursue careers in roles such as Marketing Analytics Manager, Business Intelligence Consultant, and Financial Analyst in India and internationally. Beyond technical training, tech-enabled MBA programmes can influence students' thinking. Exposure to analytics can train individuals to approach problems methodically, identify patterns, evaluate information, and make informed decisions. These skills are applicable in various leadership roles. Students can learn to ask relevant questions, manage risk, and foster innovation. In a business environment that values agility and precision, these capabilities can be advantageous. Companies are increasingly seeking managers who can derive insights from data and translate them into strategy. Furthermore, collaborative elements in MBA classrooms, such as interdisciplinary teams and the use of technology to simulate business scenarios, can reflect the nature of modern workplaces. This can prepare students for the digital, hybrid, and cross-functional teams they may encounter professionally. The integration of technology and analytics in MBA programmes can help shape leaders who are adaptable, data-oriented, and innovative. As digital acceleration continues, prospective MBA students may consider evaluating how well a programme prepares them for this evolving landscape. Programmes that incorporate industry collaborations or practical projects can offer students tools to navigate and potentially lead in the future. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently.
