Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was known to be one of India’s most respected astrophysicists. He has been acknowledged for his deep interest in cosmology and space science. Apart from being a scientist, he was also a passionate science communicator who wrote several books that were created with an objective to make science more accessible to the general public.
Early Life and Education
Jayant Narlikar was born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, into a highly educated family. His father, Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, was a well-known mathematician and a professor at Banaras Hindu University. His mother, Sumati Narlikar was a scholar of Sanskrit. Jayant studied at Central Hindu College in Banaras which is now known as Central Hindu Boys School.
Later he went to Banaras Hindu University where he gained a degree in B.Sc. in the year 1957. He then moved to Cambridge University in the United Kingdom for higher studies. Narlikar completed the Mathematical Tripos, which is a prestigious course in Mathematics in 1959.
He got his Cambridge degrees in mathematics: B.A.(1960), Ph.D. (1963), M.A. (1964) and Sc.D. (1976), but specialized in astronomy and astrophysics.
Career and Contributions
Jayant began his career with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (1972-1989) where he led his theoretical astrophysics group. Later in 1981, he became a founding member of the World Culture Council.
Jayant Narlikar’s career has been a blend of scientific research, teaching, and science outreach. His major work has been in the field of cosmology — the study of the origin and structure of the universe.
1. Work with Fred Hoyle
Narlikar collaborated with Fred Hoyle on developing the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravitation, an alternative to Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. This theory aimed to combine Mach’s principle with Einstein’s ideas and provide a different explanation for the expanding universe.
2. Establishing IUCAA
In 1988, Narlikar played a key role in founding the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, Maharashtra with the help of Ajit Kembhavi and Naresh Dadhich. The center was set up to promote astrophysics research in India and provide a platform for Indian scientists to collaborate. He served as the founding director and made sure IUCAA became a hub for world-class research.
What are the Books Written by Jayant Narlikar?
One of the most special things about Jayant Narlikar is that he believes science should not just stay in laboratories. He wants everyone, whether young or old, to enjoy and understand science. That’s why he has written many books, both for scientists and general readers. Some of the books are mentioned below:
- The Lighter Side of Gravity
- Seven Wonders of the Cosmos
- The Scientific Edge
- Cosmic Safari
Awards and Honors
Jayant Narlikar has received many awards and honors throughout his career for his outstanding contributions to science and education:
- Padma Bhushan (1965)
- Padma Vibhushan (2004)
- Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1978)
- Kalinga Prize by UNESCO (1996)
- Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and many international science bodies.
In conclusion, Jayant Narlikar’s life is a perfect example of how curiosity and passion can lead to great discoveries. He has made India proud with his scientific achievements and his efforts to make science popular among the masses. Whether it is his deep research in cosmology, his award-winning books, or his efforts to build scientific institutions, his work continues to inspire people of all ages.
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