How Jayant Narlikar inspired generations of students through Science popularisation efforts

Remembering the legacy of astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar, a pioneer in science popularisation and inspiration to many minds.

Jayant Narlikar, an eminent astrophysicist who passed away in Pune on May 20, 2025, has left behind a legacy of inspired minds. It is no less known a fact that Mr. Narlikar dedicated significant time and effort to Science popularisation. Inspired by Michael Faraday and his mentor Fred Hoyle, Mr. Narlikar worked to popularise Science through articles, books, speeches, and media.

His small acts of kindness, such as replying to postcards, emails, and letters sent by students, attending school exhibitions and interacting with young minds, delivering a guest lectures at various universities left a lasting impression that shaped students’ lives. “Narlikar was an excellent communicator. He could convey complex scientific concepts to the general public simply and engagingly”, says Ajit Kembhavi, Mr. Narlikar’s student and former director of IUCAA.

Mr. Narlikar started blogging about eventful and meaningful stories and lessons from his life in January 2024. In the blog, ‘Sharing the Thrills of Science’, he talks about his drive towards Science popularisation. In the blog, Mr. Narlikar talks about Faraday’s knack for presenting scientific discoveries in simple language, and how his lectures inspired a liking for science in the general public.

In the same blog, he acknowledges the guidance he received from Fred Hoyle. Mr. Narlikar writes, “He (Mr. Hoyle) not only showed me the necessity of keeping an open mind while doing scientific research but also the enjoyment one derives from conveying one’s findings to lay audiences. When I returned to India after some ten years of post-doctoral research, I continued my interest in Science popularisation.”

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Mr. Narlikar held the directorship of IUCAA until his retirement in 2003. Under his direction, IUCAA didn’t just acquire recognition as a hub of teaching and research in Astronomy and Astrophysics, but also as a hub for public outreach. Mr. Kembhavi recollects, “Hundreds of school children would visit the campus for Saturday lectures, even though it was under construction. These students who are now, in their middle age, still remember the way Mr. Narlikar inspired them”.

Mr. Kembhavi recollects that Mr. Narlikar was always enthusiastic to answer questions from his audience. But he always politely declined their requests for an autograph. He, however, would offer to send a signed reply for a postcard.