Tribute to Jayant Narlikar: The Father of Modern Indian Astronomy
– Senior astrophysicist & internationally recognized astronomer.– Passed away at the age of 86 in Pune, India.– A key figure in the establishment of modern astronomy in India.
Who Was Jayant Narlikar?
– Born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur.– Worked with legendary astronomer Fred Hoyle at Cambridge.– Co-authored the Hoyle-Narlikar theory, challenging the Big Bang theory.
A Legacy in Science
Contributions to Indian Astronomy
– Founder of modern astronomy in India.– Played a pivotal role in establishing the Ayuka Institute.– Worked at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
Key Milestones in His Life
– Studied at Banaras Hindu University, then Cambridge University.– Invited by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1972 to return to India.– Recognized for groundbreaking contributions to astrophysics.
A Literary Icon
– Renowned for Marathi science fiction.– Notable works: Ashes in Space, Explosions in Space, Alchemy of the Time Machine, and more.– Wrote both science fiction and popular science books.
Notable Science Books
– Space and Science– Fun Facts in Mathematics– The Creators of Science– My World in Four Cities (Autobiography).
Awards and Honors
– Padma Vibhushan (2004).– Maharashtra Bhushan (2010).– Sahitya Akademi Award (2014).
Legacy in Astronomy
– The "end of an era" in Indian astronomy.– Inspired future generations of scientists and astronomers.– An advocate for scientific research in India.
Final Tribute
– Jayant Narlikar's passing leaves a void in the world of science and literature.– His influence on both fields will remain enduring and impactful.