Who Was Jayant Narlikar? Know Everything About Renowned Pune Astrophysicist Who Received Padma Bhushan at Just 26

Renowned Indian astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar passed away early Monday morning at his residence in Pune. He was 86 years old.

Dr Narlikar was awarded Padmabhushan in 1965 at the young age of 26.

Know Everything About Renowned Pune Astrophysicist

Narlikar was internationally recognised for his work and was equally known for his engaging Marathi science fiction writing. He had a unique ability to explain complex scientific concepts in simple, beautiful language.

After completing his studies at Cambridge University, he returned to India and initially worked at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Later, he played a key role in establishing the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune.

In 2021, he served as the president of the All India Marathi Literature Conference held in Nashik.

His passing marks the end of an era in Indian science and science communication.

The Life and Legacy of Dr. Jayant Narlikar

Passed Away: Died in his sleep early Tuesday morning in Pune; had recently undergone hip surgery.

Age: 86

Survived by: Three daughters

Born: July 19, 1938

Academic & Professional Milestones

Early Education: Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father was a mathematics professor

Higher Studies: Cambridge University; became a Wrangler and Tyson Medallist in Mathematical Tripos

TIFR Tenure: Expanded and led the Theoretical Astrophysics Group (1972–1989)

IUCAA Founder Director: Established the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in 1988

Retirement: 2003; continued as Emeritus Professor at IUCAA

Awards & Honors

Padma Bhushan (1965) — at age 26

Padma Vibhushan (2004)

Maharashtra Bhushan (2011)

Sahitya Akademi Award (2014) — for autobiography in Marathi

UNESCO Kalinga Award (1996) — for popular science writing

TWAS Award (2012) — for setting up a centre of excellence

Legacy

Cosmologist: Known globally for pioneering work in theoretical cosmology

Science Communicator: Authored books, articles, and presented on radio/TV

Science Fiction Author: Popular Marathi sci-fi writer