Jayant Narlikar: A Stellar Scientific Legacy

The passing of Jayant Narlikar at 86 marks the end of an era in Indian science. An astrophysicist of global repute, a gifted science communicator, and a bold challenger of mainstream cosmology, Narlikar’s contributions transcended academia, leaving an indelible mark on research and public discourse in India. Born in 1938 in Kolhapur, his brilliance was evident early, graduating from Banaras Hindu University at 20 and earning his PhD at 24 under the legendary Fred Hoyle at Cambridge. His work with Hoyle on the steady-state theory, an alternative to the Big Bang, showcased his willingness to question established norms, a trait that defined his career.

Narlikar’s research spanned cosmology, gravity, and interstellar matter, but his most enduring legacy may be his role in building India’s astrophysics infrastructure. Returning to India in 1972, he founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, which became a hub for world-class research and nurtured generations of scientists. His leadership democratized access to advanced tools, ensuring Indian researchers no longer needed to go abroad for cutting-edge work. Beyond the lab, Narlikar was a prolific writer, penning over 40 books in English and Marathi, blending science with fiction and philosophy to make complex ideas accessible. His Marathi science fiction, like Yantrikarache Ambadnya, inspired countless young minds to pursue science.

A staunch advocate for rationalism, Narlikar debunked pseudoscience and superstition, embodying the spirit of inquiry. His debates with proponents of fringe theories were sharp yet courteous, reflecting his belief that science thrives on evidence, not dogma. Though his steady-state model eventually lost ground to the Big Bang, his insistence on questioning orthodoxy remains a lesson for the scientific community. Even in later years, he remained intellectually active, engaging with new astrophysical theories and mentoring young researchers.

Narlikar’s influence extended beyond academia—he shaped science policy and education, advocating for stronger research funding and critical thinking in schools. His popular lectures and TV appearances made astrophysics relatable, proving science need not be confined to elite circles. Even in dissent, his rigour earned respect, cementing his place as one of India’s most revered scientific minds.

Narlikar’s awards—Padma Vibhushan, UNESCO’s Kalinga Prize, and the Maharashtra Bhushan—only hint at his influence. More profound was his ability to bridge the gap between esoteric research and public imagination, making him a rare scientist-celebrity in India. His death leaves a void, but his legacy—of curiosity, courage, and commitment to science as a public good—will endure. In a nation still grappling with a scientific temper, Narlikar’s life stands as a beacon. His work reminds us that true progress lies not just in discovery but in the relentless pursuit of truth, no matter how unconventional the path.