PM Modi Pays Tribute to Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar, Hailing a Cosmic Pioneer’s Enduring Legacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep condolences over the demise of Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, a leading Indian astrophysicist and a Padma Vibhushan awardee, who passed away in his sleep in Pune at 87. Dr. Narlikar has been recalled as a cosmology trailblazer, who together with other scientists formulated the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity, which introduced a radical alternative to Einstein's general theory of relativity, and was instrumental in promoting the steady-state theory of the universe.

 

Dr. Narlikar's legacy extends beyond his groundbreaking research—he was an ardent science communicator, the inaugural director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), and a mentor who inspired generations of scientists. President Droupadi Murmu and the scientific community joined Modi in mourning, recognizing his lifelong commitment to scientific reasoning and popularization.

 

He is survived by his three daughters, who are all involved in scientific work. His efforts will forever light the way for generations of scientists to come in India.

 

Source: Hindustan Times, Onmanorama, Economic Times