Astronomically Clear: Shelar Applauds Narlikar’s Genius for Making Science Simple

 

Prof. Jayant Narlikar's greatest legacy, as Minister Shelar noted, is his outstanding ability to simplify tricky scientific ideas and explain them in a clear, comprehensible way. Not only renowned for his ground-breaking work on cosmology and astrophysics, Narlikar devoted his life to communicating science through popular science books in English and Marathi, lectures, and engaging with the public through radio, television, and outreach programs.

 

He firmly felt that "doing science is our duty, but communicating science is an even greater duty," inspiring generations to take up scientific thinking. As the founding director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Narlikar encouraged student and public outreach programs, including monthly lectures, science camps, and workshops, that brought science outside the academic fraternity.

 

Narlikar's geniality, humility, and personal gestures—such as responding to children's science questions by postcard—made him a well-liked figure in Indian science, connecting scientists and the people. His work continues to inspire curiosity and logical thinking, fulfilling his dream of making science part of everyday life for all.

 

Source: Rediff, BBC, Wikipedia, IISER Kolkata