The Scientist Who Spoke the Language of the Stars
Some stars don’t just twinkle in the night sky; they shine brilliantly in our hearts and minds, leaving behind a legacy that transcends time. Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was one such star. A pioneering Indian astrophysicist, he helped unravel the vast mysteries of the cosmos with profound theories and equations, and he possessed a rare storytelling gift that sparked wonder and curiosity in countless young minds.
On May 20, 2025, India bid farewell to this radiant intellect in Pune at the age of 86. Although he is no longer with us, Dr. Narlikar’s extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire generations of dreamers, thinkers, and cosmic explorers around the world. A scientific mindset seeks truth through evidence and reason, challenges assumptions, and rejects claims without proof. This spirit of inquiry drives societal progress, and Dr. Narlikar exemplified it not only as a pioneering scientist but also as a passionate advocate for rational thinking. He brought the light of scientific reasoning to students and society, inspiring them to ask “Why?” and “How?” rather than accepting beliefs blindly. Promoting knowledge, education, and critical thinking was more than a profession for him; it was a lifelong mission to combat superstition, ignorance, and blind faith for the greater good of humanity.
Dr. Narlikar’s contributions to science went beyond laboratory walls and academic research. A gifted teacher, prolific writer, and passionate science communicator, he dedicated his life to making the universe's mysteries accessible to the common person. Through his research and writings, he demystified the cosmos, showing that stars are not merely distant points of light but gateways to understanding the vastness of the universe—and our place within it.
Born into an intellectually rich environment, Dr. Narlikar's father was a renowned mathematician at Banaras Hindu University, and his mother was a scholar of Sanskrit. This nurturing background instilled in him a profound respect for knowledge and learning. From an early age, Jayant’s curiosity about the stars set him apart. His belief in the transformative power of knowledge was a guiding principle he passed on to his students and the public. Driven by a deep desire to explore the unknown, he pursued astrophysics at Cambridge University, where he had the privilege of working alongside Sir Fred Hoyle, one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.
In collaboration with Professor Hoyle, Dr. Narlikar introduced revolutionary ideas that challenged the prevailing scientific consensus. Among their significant contributions was the formulation of the ‘Hoyle–Narlikar Theory of Gravitation,’ a groundbreaking alternative to Einstein’s general relativity. While Einstein described gravity as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy, Hoyle and Narlikar proposed a radical concept based on ‘action at a distance,’ suggesting that objects in the universe could influence each other instantaneously, without physical contact. This theory opened fresh avenues for understanding the fundamental nature of the cosmos.
Dr. Narlikar’s unique perspective on the universe was a continuous source of fascination. He championed the ‘Quasi-Steady State theory,’ a bold alternative to the widely accepted Big Bang model, proposing that the universe undergoes cycles of expansion and creation through numerous ‘mini-bangs.’ Though not widely accepted, his theory stimulated important scientific debate and encouraged researchers to broaden their perspectives on cosmic origins.
His influence extended into the formation of galaxies, life cycles of stars, and the enigmatic nature of black holes. He contributed significantly to our understanding of these cosmic giants and engaged with complex ideas such as ‘Hawking Radiation,’ proposing that black holes emit tiny amounts of radiation over time and gradually lose mass.
A true visionary, Dr. Narlikar recognized the transformative potential of gravitational wave research long before it was widely known. Gravitational waves are tiny ripples in space and time caused by powerful cosmic events. His early support helped spark India’s involvement in this exciting field of science.
Dr. Narlikar’s support for foundational science reflects his belief in the power of curiosity-driven inquiry to expand human understanding. In 1988, he co-founded the ‘Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics’ (IUCAA) in Pune, aiming to create a hub for cutting-edge research and academic freedom. Inspired by the Buddhist Eightfold Path, IUCAA blends modern architecture with Indian cultural aesthetics, standing as a centre of scientific excellence and a beacon for knowledge and community.
Dr. Narlikar’s vision embraced inclusivity, believing science should be accessible and inspiring to everyone, particularly young students. He fostered an environment that empowered a new generation of Indian scientists, elevating India’s standing in global scientific research.
Passionate about inspiring children and the public to embrace science, he nurtured curiosity and encouraged questioning of unfounded beliefs. His famous admonition, “You cannot divide by zero,” serves as a metaphor to reject illogical beliefs and promote critical thinking—a mindset essential for progress in science and life.
Dr. Narlikar’s outstanding contributions earned him numerous national and international honors, including India’s Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, as well as the UNESCO Kalinga Prize and France’s Prix Jules Janssen. Beyond science, he was a gifted writer; his Marathi autobiography won the Sahitya Akademi Award, showcasing his ability to inspire both scientific and literary audiences.
Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar’s life is a powerful testament to the journey of scientific inquiry—a quest driven by wonder, curiosity, and truth. He believed science should be an inclusive adventure open to all. The universe, in his view, was not merely something to observe, but a grand story waiting to be told. As he often said, “The universe is not just out there to be observed; it is a grand story waiting to be told.”
His enthusiasm, clarity, and passion for knowledge made him not only a brilliant scientist but also a beloved mentor and friend to many. Though he is no longer with us, his ideas and spirit will continue to illuminate the path of discovery for generations to come.
As we remember Dr. Jayant Narlikar, let us honor his legacy by nurturing curiosity, pursuing knowledge with passion, and reaching for the stars. His life is a reminder that in this vast universe, understanding is essential, so long as we continue to ask questions and remain fearless in our quest for truth.
Thank you, Dr. Narlikar, for unveiling the silent language of the stars and lighting the way for all who seek to comprehend the vast universe. Your wisdom and vision inspire us to dream higher, think deeper, and embrace the cosmos as a living conversation, one that continues to unfold through each of us.