Noted astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar passes away

Narlikar's science fiction legacy remains ahead of its time

- Yogesh Joshi

PUNE: Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, one of India's most respected astrophysicists and a tireless science communicator, passed away in Pune early Tuesday morning. He was 86.

Narlikar had recently undergone hip surgery at a city hospital. He is survived by three daughters - Geeta, Girija and Leelavati, all of whom have opted for research careers in science. According to sources close to the family, the last rites are likely to be performed on Wednesday.

A pioneer in cosmology and popularisation of science, Narlikar was instrumental in establishing key scientific institutions and nurturing generations of researchers. Equally important was his lifelong commitment to demystifying science through accessible writing in both Marathi and English.

Over three decades ago, he wrote a Marathi science fiction story, Athenscha Plague (The Plague in Athens), which resurfaced in public memory during the Covid-19 pandemic for its uncanny relevance. His popular science essays in Marathi helped bring complex ideas to the lay reader with clarity and simplicity.

Born on July 19, 1938, he spent his formative years at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus, where his father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, was head of the mathematics department while his mother Sumati Narlikar was a Sanskrit scholar. He later studied at Cambridge University, where he was awarded the Tyson Medal and recognised as a Wrangler for his outstanding performance in the Mathematical Tripos. In 1966, Narlikar

Rajwade, a doctorate in mathematics. After returning to India, Narlikar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1972 and led Theoretical Astrophysics Group until 1989, during which time group gained international recognition.