‘Monumental loss’: Maharashtra Govt, PM Modi, scientists condole demise of emeritus professor Jayant Narlikar

Expressing grief over the demise of renowned scientist Padma Vibhushan Jayant Narlikar in Pune, Maharashtra governor C P Radhakrishnan said that the country lost a ‘visionary sage’. Astrophysicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, behind the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity, passed away in Pune at the age of 86.

In a condolence message, the governor said, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dr Jayant Narlikar — a towering figure in the field of astrophysics, an author and an advocate of science popularization. As the founder of IUCAA in Pune, Dr Narlikar made immense contributions to the advancement of scientific research and education in India.”

Further praising his contributions, Radhakrishnan added, “Dr Narlikar had a rare gift of making complex scientific ideas accessible to the common man. Through his science fiction, short essays and newspaper articles, he inspired generations of young minds to pursue science. With his passing, the nation has lost a visionary sage scientist. I convey my condolences to the members of the bereaved family."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death, calling it 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," PM Modi said in a post on X.

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Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath said the country has lost a "visionary astrophysicist and science communicator who inspired my generation with his popular works such as ‘The lighter side of gravity’ and ‘Seven wonders of the cosmos’."

"The IUCAA family is in grief," said the Pune-based institution in a post on X as it announced Narlikar's death.

Jayant Narlikar’s education, works

Born on July 19, 1938, Narlikar completed his early education on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and then went to United Kindom (UK)’s Cambridge University for higher studies. He was a Wrangler and Tyson Medalist in the Mathematical Tripos.

While in the UK, he developed, along with famous scientist and his doctoral adviser Fred Hoyle, the famous Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity. He 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 stature.

In 1988, the University Grants Commission (UGC) invited the scientist to set up the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) as its founding director. He held the position until his retirement in 2003. He served as an Emeritus Professor at IUCAA.

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Besides his scientific research, Narlikar was well-known as a science communicator through his books, articles, and radio/TV programmes. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1965 at the young age of 26. In 2004, he was awarded Padma Vibhushan. In 2011, the Maharashtra government honoured him with the state's highest civilian award, Maharashtra Bhushan. Moreover, in 2014, the Sahitya Akademi, the premiere literary body in India, selected his autobiography for its highest prize in regional language (Marathi) writing.