Jayant Narlikar (1938–2025): The Star Who Lit Up Indian Astrophysics
Introduction
Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was more than a scientist. He was a trailblazer, a visionary, and an unparalleled voice in Indian astrophysics who combined rigorous scientific pursuit with an unshakable commitment to rational thinking. His passing in 2025 at the age of 87 marked the end of a remarkable era in Indian and global science. Yet, the ideas he championed and the legacy he built will remain deeply entrenched in the scientific discourse of the future.
Born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur,
Maharashtra, Jayant Narlikar was raised in an environment that fostered
intellectual curiosity. His father, Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, was a respected
mathematician and academic. It was this nurturing atmosphere of learning and
inquiry that sowed the seeds of his future contributions to science.
Jayant’s academic excellence was apparent
early on. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Banaras Hindu University and
excelled in mathematics. His brilliance earned him a scholarship to study at
the University of Cambridge, where he would go on to redefine cosmology.
Cambridge Years: Shaping the Cosmos
At Cambridge, Narlikar came under the
mentorship of Sir Fred Hoyle, one of the most influential astrophysicists of
the 20th century. Their collaboration led to the formulation of the Hoyle–Narlikar
Theory of Gravity, a bold and sophisticated alternative to Einstein's
General Theory of Relativity. The theory incorporated Mach's Principle and
proposed that the inertia of a body was due to its interaction with the rest of
the universe.
Although the theory didn’t replace Einstein's
framework, it was lauded for its originality and elegance. Many aspects of the
Hoyle-Narlikar theory have since been revisited with the advent of newer
cosmological models and quantum field theories. This early demonstration of
visionary thinking established Narlikar as a physicist who wasn't afraid to
challenge scientific orthodoxy.
A Return to India: Building Scientific
Institutions
Unlike many Indian scientists who chose to
settle abroad, Narlikar returned to India, motivated by a desire to contribute
to nation-building through science. His mission was to foster a scientific
temperament and to build institutions that could nurture homegrown talent.
In 1988, he founded the Inter-University
Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. As its founding
director, Narlikar created a collaborative environment where Indian students
and researchers could engage with cutting-edge scientific work. IUCAA quickly
became a magnet for young talent and a benchmark for institutional excellence.
A Maverick in the Scientific Community
Narlikar’s refusal to accept scientific dogma
set him apart. While the Big Bang Theory became the dominant cosmological
model, he continued to critique its assumptions and explore alternative
frameworks. His openness to questioning prevailing narratives and embracing
contrarian views won him both admirers and critics.
His approach highlighted a deeper truth about
science: it evolves not through agreement, but through challenging assumptions.
This intellectual courage made Narlikar a respected voice globally, even when
his theories were not universally accepted.
Champion of Scientific Temper
Jayant Narlikar was not content with
confining science to laboratories and journals. He believed that science must
engage with society. Through lectures, television shows, books, and newspaper
columns, he reached out to lay audiences, explaining complex ideas in
cosmology, relativity, and quantum physics with clarity and enthusiasm.
He authored several popular science books,
both in English and Marathi, including The Scientific Edge, A
Different Approach to Cosmology, and The Lighter Side of Gravity.
These works inspired thousands of young Indians to pursue science not as a
career, but as a way of thinking.
His passion for science communication also
led him to criticize pseudoscience and superstition. In a country where
unscientific beliefs often intertwine with cultural practices, Narlikar’s
rational voice was a beacon of clarity. He was a vocal advocate of promoting
scientific temper, a constitutional duty in India that he believed was often
neglected.
Awards and Recognition
Over the decades, Narlikar received numerous
awards and honors. He was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 1965
and the Padma Vibhushan in 2004, two of India's highest
civilian awards. He was also a Fellow of several international academies,
including the Royal Astronomical Society, and held leadership
roles in major scientific bodies.
Yet, he remained humble. For Narlikar, awards
were not endpoints but reminders of responsibility. His focus remained on
mentoring young scientists, improving science education, and advancing
fundamental research.
Ethics, Education, and the Future
Jayant Narlikar consistently spoke about the
ethical responsibilities of scientists. He believed that scientific progress
should be aligned with human values and that science education should foster
not just knowledge, but also critical thinking and empathy.
In his later years, he became a strong voice
for reforms in science education. He argued that rote learning and exam-centric
teaching were stifling creativity. He advocated for curiosity-driven education
and encouraged educators to prioritize questioning over memorization.
A Life of Purpose and Passion
Jayant Narlikar continued writing, lecturing,
and mentoring even into his 80s. He remained deeply involved in public science
education and frequently participated in national discussions on science
policy. He had the rare ability to bridge the gap between theoretical physics
and common understanding, always stressing that science was not only for
scientists.
Despite health setbacks in his later years,
he never stopped engaging with the cosmos. In one of his final interviews, he
said, "The universe is not just out there; it is also within us.
Understanding it is an act of self-discovery."
Legacy Beyond Equations
Jayant Narlikar's legacy is not confined to
research papers or institutional achievements. His true contribution lies in
how he transformed the way India approached science. He inspired a generation
to think independently, question deeply, and imagine fearlessly.
His students, colleagues, and readers
remember him not just as a brilliant mind, but as a kind, generous mentor who
saw potential in everyone. Many of today’s leading Indian astrophysicists and
science communicators trace their inspiration back to Narlikar.
The institutions he built, the theories he
proposed, the books he wrote, and the values he upheld are all testaments to a
life lived in pursuit of truth.
Conclusion: A Star That Continues to Shine
Jayant Narlikar may no longer walk among us,
but his presence is etched into the fabric of Indian science. Like the North
Star he is likened to, he served as a guiding light, helping generations
navigate the expansive skies of knowledge and understanding.
His life teaches us that science is not about
certainty, but about curiosity. That being ahead of your time means being
misunderstood now but revered later. That questioning the universe is also a
way to understand ourselves.
As India continues its journey into space and
science, it does so in the shadow and light of Jayant Narlikar’s contributions.
He dreamed of a rational, progressive, and curious India. It is now up to us to
keep that dream alive.
In the words of a student he once mentored:
“When I look at the stars, I don’t just see galaxies. I see Professor Narlikar,
pointing the way.”
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