By Rohit More 
Heartfelt Tribute to Dr. Jayant Narlikar: A Celestial Mind Who Enlightened Earth
India mourns the loss of one of its brightest scientific minds – Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan awardee, Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar. The news of his passing marks the end of an era in Indian astrophysics and scientific thinking. His demise is not just a loss to the scientific community, but to the intellectual and cultural fabric of the nation.
A Glorious Legacy in Science
Born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Dr. Jayant Narlikar was destined for greatness. He was the son of Dr. Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, a distinguished mathematician and one of the founding figures of the Banaras Hindu University mathematics department. This academic environment nurtured Jayant’s early curiosity in the universe and its mysteries.
Dr. Narlikar’s academic brilliance was evident from his student days. He completed his studies at Banaras Hindu University and went on to Cambridge University in the UK, where he studied under the legendary astrophysicist Sir Fred Hoyle. Together, they developed the Hoyle–Narlikar theory, an alternative cosmological model that challenged the conventional Big Bang Theory, proposing a steady-state theory of the universe.
This contribution alone made Dr. Narlikar a renowned name in global astrophysics circles. His ability to think beyond conventional frameworks defined his career.
Pioneer of Astrophysics in India
Dr. Narlikar returned to India with the vision of cultivating a scientific temperament and research infrastructure. In 1988, he was instrumental in founding the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, which has since become a beacon for aspiring astrophysicists in India.
He was not just a scientist but also a passionate teacher and mentor, inspiring thousands of students to pursue careers in science. His lectures were known for their clarity, vision, and ability to simplify complex cosmological ideas for young minds.
A Voice for Scientific Temper and Rationalism
Dr. Narlikar was a firm believer in rational thinking, scientific inquiry, and evidence-based understanding. He championed the cause of promoting scientific temper among the Indian public, aligning closely with the ideals of Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of a modern, progressive India.
His criticism of superstition and pseudoscience was never aggressive but always reasoned and intellectual. Through his speeches and writings, he constantly encouraged youth to question, observe, and seek truth in the universe around them.
Literary Contributions
In addition to his scientific work, Dr. Narlikar was a prolific science communicator and author, writing books, essays, and fiction in English and Marathi. Some of his well-known books include:
- The Lighter Side of Gravity
- Scientific Edge
- The Structure of the Universe
- Marathi books like Antarikshache Aakar and Distant Horizons
Through these writings, he introduced generations of Indians to the wonders of space, time, and cosmology in simple and relatable ways.
Honors and Awards
Dr. Narlikar’s towering contributions have been recognized with several national and international honors:
- Padma Vibhushan (2004) – India’s second-highest civilian award
- Padma Bhushan (1965)
- Maharashtra Bhushan (2010)
- UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the popularization of science
- Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award
- Fellowships from prestigious academies like the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), and Third World Academy of Sciences
His awards were not just symbols of personal achievement but reflections of the values he championed — excellence, inquiry, and integrity.
A Personal Inspiration
Dr. Narlikar’s humility, simplicity, and clarity of thought set him apart. Despite global fame, he remained rooted in Indian soil, dedicating his life to science in India. He refused several high-profile international offers, choosing instead to build scientific institutions at home.
For many, including scientists, educators, and students, he was more than a scholar — he was an inspiration, a mentor, and a symbol of India’s scientific spirit.
A Final Salute
The passing of Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar is an irreparable loss to the world of science and humanity. Yet, the light he lit through his work, thoughts, and words will continue to illuminate the path for generations.
Let us honor his memory not just in words, but by fostering scientific thinking, critical inquiry, and a quest for knowledge — values that he stood for throughout his life.
🕊️ May his soul attain eternal peace.
Om Shanti. 🙏