One of the country’s foremost astrophysicists, Dr Jayanat Narlikar, passed away in Pune, Maharashtra, on 20 May 2025. He was 86 years old. Dr Jayant Narlikar, who worked to popularise science in the country through his stories, is also known worldwide for proposing an alternate model to the Big Bang theory of the origin of the Universe.

About Dr Jayanat Narlikar

Dr Jayant Narlikar was born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, on 19 July 1939. His father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, was Professor and Head of the Mathematics Department in the Benaras Hindu University, and his mother was a Sanskrit scholar.

He graduated from Benaras Hindu University and studied at Cambridge University in England.

Though he did his Ph.D. in Mathematics, his specialisation was in astronomy and astrophysics.

During his stay at Cambridge University, he became the student of the famous British astrophysicist Fred Hoyle.

Fred Hoyle and Dr Jayant Narlikar developed a theory for the origin of the Universe that was an alternative to the Big Bang theory.

Dr Jayant Narlikar in India

Dr Jayant Narlikar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in 1972.

On the invitation of the University Grant Commission, Dr Narlikar set up the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)in Pune. He was the founder-director and held the post until 2003.

Under his stewardship, the IUCAA has become a centre for excellence in teaching and research in astronomy and astrophysics.

Popularisation of Science

Dr Jayant Narlikar was also known in India for his role in popularising science.

He regularly appeared on Doordarshan’s Surabhi programme to popularise science.

He also wrote articles, science fiction books, and radio and television programmes in English, Hindi, and Marathi.

Awards and Honours

Dr Jayant Narlikar was honoured with various prizes and awards.

Padma Vibhushan - India’s second-highest civilian award in 2004
Padma Bhushan -India’s third highest civilian award in 1965 when he was 26 years old.
Maharashtra Bhushan - Maharashtra government’s highest award in 2011.
UNESCO Kalinga Award for science popularisation in 1996.
Janssen Medal of the Societe Astronomique de France in 2004
The World Academy of Science institution building award in 2012
Sahitya Akademi Award 2014 (Marathi language)- For his autobiography, "Chaar Nagrantale Majhe Vishwa" (A Tale of Four Cities).