Astrophysicist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar Passes Away In His Sleep. Know About The Padma Awardee

Jayant Vishnu Narlikar had recently undergone hip surgery at a local hospital. He is survived by his three daughters.

Dr Narlikar authored numerous books, science fiction stories, and educational programmes for television and radio.

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Astrophysicist and Padma Vibhushan recipient Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away in Pune on Tuesday at the age of 87. Dr Narlikar was known for his groundbreaking research, visionary leadership, and tireless efforts to promote scientific temper in India.

Family sources confirmed that Dr Narlikar died in his sleep. He had recently undergone hip surgery at a local hospital. He is survived by his three daughters.

Who Was Scientist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar

Born on July 19, 1938, Dr Narlikar grew up on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar served as Head of the Mathematics Department. He went on to study at Cambridge University, where he distinguished himself as a Wrangler and Tyson Medallist in the Mathematical Tripos.

After returning to India, he joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1972, where he led the Theoretical Astrophysics Group. Under his guidance, the group rose to global prominence.

In 1988, the University Grants Commission appointed him to establish and direct the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. He held this position until 2003, after which he continued as an Emeritus Professor. IUCAA, under his leadership, became an international hub for astronomical education and research.

Honours, Literature, And Popular Science Legacy

Dr Narlikar's illustrious career was recognised with numerous accolades. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1965 at just 26, followed by the Padma Vibhushan in 2004. In 2011, the Maharashtra government honoured him with the Maharashtra Bhushan, the state's highest civilian award.

In 1996, UNESCO recognised his contribution to science outreach by presenting him with the Kalinga Award. The Third World Academy of Sciences awarded him in 2012 for establishing IUCAA as a centre of scientific excellence.

Dr Narlikar was a prolific writer and communicator. He authored numerous books, science fiction stories, and educational programmes for television and radio. In 2014, his Marathi autobiography received the Sahitya Akademi Award, India's highest honour for regional language literature.