Latest news with #Smith'sPrize
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Jayant Narlikar educational qualifications: The Indian astrophysicist who went from Varanasi to Cambridge and beyond the Big Bang
From classrooms in Varanasi to reshaping ideas in cosmology, Jayant Narlikar 's journey remains a shining example of scientific integrity and vision. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, into a deeply academic household. His father, Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, was a prominent mathematician and physicist, and a professor at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), while his mother, Sumati Narlikar, was a Sanskrit scholar. This early exposure to both science and classical knowledge laid a strong intellectual foundation for Jayant. Raised in Varanasi, Narlikar attended Central Hindu College (now Central Hindu Boys School), where he quickly developed a love for mathematics and the sciences. Encouraged by his academic surroundings, he pursued higher education at BHU, completing a Bachelor of Science in 1957. His growing interest in the mysteries of the universe led him to take the next major step: studying at the University of Cambridge , one of the world's most prestigious institutions. The Cambridge years: A turning point in scientific thought At Cambridge, Narlikar joined Fitzwilliam College, following in his father's footsteps. In 1959, he completed the Mathematical Tripos—a rigorous course in mathematics—earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. This was a period of intense intellectual development, but Narlikar's biggest influence came from his mentor, the renowned British astronomer Fred Hoyle . Under Hoyle's guidance, Narlikar began his doctoral research in theoretical cosmology. Their scientific collaboration would later lead to groundbreaking contributions in cosmology. During his doctoral studies, Narlikar won the Smith's Prize in 1962, an award for exceptional work in theoretical physics. In 1963, he was awarded a PhD in cosmology. The following year, he earned a master's degree in astronomy and astrophysics, also from Cambridge. He stayed on as a postdoctoral fellow at King's College, and in 1966 became a founding member of the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy, established by Hoyle. Rethinking the beginning of the universe Jayant Narlikar and Fred Hoyle did not accept the widely supported Big Bang Theory as the only explanation for the origin of the universe. Instead, they co-developed the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity, which introduced a different view: that the universe does not begin with a singular event, but instead experiences continuous creation of matter. This idea supported the steady-state model of the universe, which challenged the concept of a cosmic beginning. The Hoyle–Narlikar theory attempted to synthesise Einstein's general relativity with Mach's principle, a philosophical concept suggesting that the inertia of objects is influenced by the presence of all other mass in the universe. Though the theory was controversial, it opened new avenues of discussion and showed Narlikar's willingness to explore ideas outside mainstream scientific consensus. His other research interests included quantum cosmology, action-at-a-distance physics, and other non-standard models of the universe, which reflect his deep commitment to critical thinking in science. A vision for Indian science Despite his growing success in the UK, Narlikar remained connected to India. In 1972, he returned to join the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, where he led the theoretical astrophysics group. His return marked the beginning of a new phase: building India's capacity in astrophysical research. In 1988, Narlikar became the founding director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. IUCAA aimed to promote high-quality research and collaboration among Indian universities. Under his leadership, it became a major institution for theoretical and observational astronomy. Narlikar believed that India should not just follow scientific developments from abroad, but contribute meaningfully to global science. He was also deeply involved in science education. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) appointed him as chairperson of a committee to redesign textbooks in science and mathematics. His efforts helped make science more accessible and engaging for school students across India. Bringing science to the public One of Jayant Narlikar's most significant contributions was his commitment to science communication. He believed that science should not be limited to laboratories and research institutions—it should be understood by the general public. Narlikar wrote numerous popular science books and articles, both in English and regional Indian languages. He also appeared on radio and television programs, explaining complex ideas in a simple and relatable manner. His efforts to bring science to the masses earned him the UNESCO Kalinga Prize in 1996, an international recognition for scientists who help popularise science and technology. Through his work, he helped foster a culture of scientific curiosity among ordinary citizens, especially young learners. Legacy of a lifelong learner and teacher Over the course of his career, Jayant Narlikar received many prestigious awards and honors. In 1965, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan, recognising his early achievements in science. Nearly four decades later, in 2004, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, for his continued excellence in scientific research. He was elected to various national and international scientific academies, including the Indian National Science Academy, Indian Academy of Sciences, and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). He also served as President of the International Astronomical Union's Commission on Cosmology from 1994 to 1997, further highlighting his global standing in the field of cosmology. Narlikar also received multiple honorary doctorates from Indian and foreign universities for his contributions to science and education. Jayant Narlikar passed away on May 20, 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy. He was more than a scientist—he was a mentor, a teacher, a builder of institutions, and a communicator who believed in making science inclusive. His contributions continue to impact both theoretical physics and science education in India. Institutions he helped build, textbooks he helped revise, and the ideas he boldly proposed still influence how science is practiced and taught today. Invest in Their Tomorrow, Today: Equip your child with the essential AI skills for a future brimming with possibilities | Join Now
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
20-05-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Remembering Jayant Narlikar, astrophysicist who challenged Big Bang theory
Renowned astrophysicist Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday at his home in Pune at the age of 86. Professor Narlikar had been recuperating from hip surgery performed two weeks prior. He is survived by his three daughters. Who was Jayant Narlikar and what was his contribution to cosmology? Prof Narlikar was best known for his pioneering contributions to cosmology and for advocating alternative models to the widely accepted Big Bang theory. He also made significant contributions to science education and communication in India. As the founder-director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, he helped build it into a globally respected centre for research and teaching in astronomy and astrophysics. Even after his retirement in 2003, he continued to be associated with IUCAA as an Emeritus Professor. What was Jayant Narlikar's background and early academic journey? Jayant Narlikar was born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and grew up in a family that valued intellectual pursuits. His father, Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, was a distinguished mathematician and served as Head of the Mathematics Department at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). His mother, Sumati Narlikar, was a respected scholar of Sanskrit. Narlikar earned his Bachelor of Science degree from BHU in 1957 and later pursued advanced studies at the University of Cambridge, where he received his PhD in 1963, followed by a ScD in 1976. How did Narlikar and Fred Hoyle challenge the Big Bang theory? While at Cambridge, he began a long and successful collaboration with British astrophysicist Sir Fred Hoyle, laying the foundation for his lifelong research in cosmology. His work during this period earned him several honours, including the Smith's Prize and the Adams Prize. He was also a Fellow of King's College and a founding staff member of the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy. What is the Hoyle–Narlikar theory and how does it differ from the Big Bang? Jayant Narlikar and Fred Hoyle proposed the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of conformal gravity as an alternative to the Big Bang theory. Unlike the Big Bang model, which suggests the universe began from a singular explosive event, their theory posits that the universe has no beginning or end in time—it has always existed in a steady state. To account for the universe's expansion, they introduced the idea of continuous matter creation, which allowed the overall density to remain unchanged over time. What is quasi-steady state cosmology and why is it significant? Their theory also incorporated Mach's principle, proposing that an object's inertia is influenced by the distribution of mass across the universe. Later, Narlikar developed this further into the quasi-steady state cosmology (QSSC), which included periodic mini-creation events rather than one Big Bang. Although strong observational evidence continues to support the Big Bang theory, the Hoyle–Narlikar theory remains a significant and influential contribution to theoretical cosmology. How did Jayant Narlikar contribute to India's scientific institutions? Prof Narlikar returned to India in 1972 to join the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), where he played a key role in developing the Theoretical Astrophysics Group. In 1988, he was invited by the University Grants Commission to establish IUCAA in Pune, marking a new chapter in collaborative academic research in India. Which national honours and awards did Narlikar receive in his lifetime? A recipient of several prestigious honours, Narlikar was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1965, the Padma Vibhushan in 2004, and the Maharashtra Bhushan in 2011. In 2014, his autobiography received the Sahitya Akademi Award for best writing in a regional language (Marathi). How did Narlikar promote science communication in India? Apart from his scientific work, Narlikar was passionate about making science accessible to the public and improving science communication in India. He authored several books in English and Marathi aimed at popularising science among young readers and general audiences. What is unique about the Narlikar family's personal film archive? He was married to Dr Mangala Narlikar, a mathematician and fellow academic. Together, they had three daughters—Geeta, Girija, and Leelavati—all of whom have pursued careers in scientific research. The Narlikars also shared a love for documenting family and academic life through film. They donated 41 home movies to the National Film Archive of India (NFAI). The collection includes rare personal footage from Cambridge, the USA, family travels, and their wedding in 1966. The visual archive offers intimate glimpses into Prof Narlikar's personal life, including scenes with his mentor Fred Hoyle and his father VV Narlikar. How is Jayant Narlikar remembered by India's scientific community? In a career spanning more than five decades, Jayant Narlikar remained a committed scientist, educator, and public intellectual—someone who inspired generations through both academic rigour and a passion for bringing science closer to the people. Upon his passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, 'The passing of Dr Jayant Narlikar is a monumental loss to the scientific community. He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks, will be valued by generations of researchers. He made a mark as an institution builder, grooming centres of learning and innovation for young minds. His writings have also gone a long way in making science accessible to common citizens. Condolences to his family and friends in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.'
NDTV
20-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Jayant Narlikar: The Astrophysicist Who Received India's Third-Highest Civilian Award At 26
New Delhi: Astrophysicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar died aged 87 in Pune on Tuesday. A pioneering figure in Indian science, Mr Narlikar was the founding director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) and a passionate science communicator. Mr Narlikar is survived by his three daughters - Geeta, Girija, and Leelavati, all of whom are involved in scientific research. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the death of Jayant Narlikar is a "monumental loss to the scientific community". "He was a luminary, especially in the field of astrophysics. His pioneering works, especially key theoretical frameworks will be valued by generations of researchers," he posted on X. "He made a mark as an institution builder, grooming centres of learning and innovation for young minds. His writings have also gone a long way in making science accessible to common citizens," PM Modi added. Who Was Jayant Narlikar? Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. He spent his early years on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, was Professor and Head of the Mathematics Department. His mother, Sumati Narlikar, was a scholar in Sanskrit. He earned his degree from BHU in 1957. He then moved to Cambridge University for higher education, where he became a Wrangler and won the Tyson Medal in the Mathematical Tripos. He earned multiple degrees from Cambridge: BA in 1960, PhD in 1963, MA in 1964, and ScD in 1976, specialising in astronomy and astrophysics. At Cambridge, he was awarded the Smith's Prize in 1962 and the Adams Prize in 1967. He remained at Cambridge until 1972 as a Fellow of King's College (1963-1972) and a founding staff member of the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy (1966-1972). In 1966, he married Mangala Rajwade, a mathematician with a PhD. They had three daughters. Mr Narlikar returned to India in 1972 to join the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), where he led the Theoretical Astrophysics Group to international prominence. In 1988, he was invited by the University Grants Commission to set up the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. He served as its founding director until his retirement in 2003. After retiring, he continued as an emeritus professor. Mr Narlikar was internationally renowned for his alternative cosmological theories that challenged the popular Big Bang model. He worked on gravity, Mach's Principle, quantum cosmology, and action-at-a-distance physics. He served as President of the Cosmology Commission of the International Astronomical Union from 1994 to 1997. From 1999 to 2003, he led a space research experiment to collect microorganisms from the upper atmosphere (up to 41 km). The discovery of live cells and bacteria suggested that Earth might be continuously bombarded by microorganisms, hinting at possible extraterrestrial origins of life. Mr Narlikar was a beloved science communicator. He wrote books, articles, and created programmes for radio and TV in English, Marathi, and Hindi. In 1996, UNESCO honoured him with the Kalinga Award for science popularisation. In 1965, at the age of 26, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour. Later, in 2004, he received the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. He was a Fellow of all three national science academies of India, the Royal Astronomical Society of London, and the Third World Academy of Sciences. At the age of 85, Mr Narlikar started a blog to share his stories about science and life. Today, it has over 3,000 subscribers.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Prof Jayant Narlikar, astrophysicist who proposed an alternative to Big Bang theory, passes away at 86
Eminent astrophysicist Prof Jayant Narlikar, one of India's best known scientists, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday. He would have turned 87 this July. He is survived by three daughters. The veteran astrophysicist was the founder-director of the Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune and is known for his seminal works in the areas of cosmology and most importantly, for believing in an alternate model to the popular Big Bang theory for the origin of the universe. He was also a well-known science communicator. Narlikar was an alumnus of Cambridge University, Banaras Hindu University and has worked at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. According to close associates of Prof Narlikar, the scientist had undergone a surgery for a hip fracture at a city hospital a fortnight ago. He was recovering at home. Doctors said that he passed away peacefully at his residence. Prof R Srianand Director of IUCAA told The Indian Express that it was an unimaginable loss. 'He has been an inspiration and father of Indian cosmology. Till the last minute, Prof Narlikar was thinking of various aspects of science and science popularisation and would always say that research institutes had a great responsibility in spreading awareness about science,' Srianand said. Born on July 19, 1938 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Prof Narlikar received his early education in the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar was Professor and Head of the Mathematics Department. His mother Sumati Narlikar was a Sanskrit scholar. After a brilliant career in school and college, Narlikar got his degree at BHU in 1957. He went to Cambridge for higher studies, becoming a Wrangler and Tyson Medallist in the Mathematical Tripos. He got his Cambridge degrees in mathematics: B.A.(1960), Ph.D. (1963), M.A. (1964) and Sc.D. (1976), but specialized in astronomy and astrophysics. He distinguished himself at Cambridge with the Smith's Prize in 1962 and the Adams Prize in 1967. He later stayed on at Cambridge till 1972, as Fellow of King's College (1963-72) and Founder Staff Member of the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy (1966-72). During this period he laid the foundations of his research work in cosmology and astrophysics in collaboration with his mentor Fred Hoyle. Narlikar returned to India to join the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (1972-1989) where under his charge the Theoretical Astrophysics Group expanded and acquired international standing. In 1988 the University Grants Commission invited him to set up the proposed Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) as its Founder Director. He held the Directorship of IUCAA until his retirement in 2003. Under his direction IUCAA has acquired a world-wide reputation as a centre for excellence in teaching and research in astronomy and astrophysics. He was Emeritus Professor at IUCAA. In 2012 the Third World Academy of Sciences awarded him their prize for setting up a centre for excellence in science. In 1966, Narlikar married Mangala Rajwade. She is a Ph.D. in mathematics. They have three daughters, Geeta, Girija and Leelavati, all of whom have opted for research careers in science. Narlikar is internationally known for his work in cosmology, for championing models alternative to the popularly believed big bang model. Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition. ... Read More
