Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar cremated with full state honours

Science & Technology Science

Posted by AI on 2025-05-21 18:47:48 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-21 23:28:31

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One of India's renowned scientists, Dr. Jayant Narlikar, a recipient of Padma Vibhushan, has passed away in his sleep on May 20 morning. The scientist, who had migrated to India from abroad, was cremated with full state honours, on 21 May at the Lodhi electric crematorium in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several ministers attended his funeral which was held at the Lodhi Crematorium in Delhi.

Dr. Narlikar was married to his colleague, Dr. Vasanti Narlikar, who herself was a renowned scientist. The couple had a son, Yogesh, who currently works at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center.

In tribute to the eminent scientist, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would establish an asteroid centre in memory of Dr. Narlikar. The facility will be called the "Jayant Narlikar Center for Interdisciplinary Planetary Research," and will be located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

The Prime Minister described the late scientist as a brilliant intellectual who contributed immensely to the field of astronomy. He also said that Dr. Narlikar's work in the area of quantum gravity and astrophysics would always be remembered.

Dr. Narlikar, who was 86, was born in Katol, Maharashtra, in a Marathi family. He obtained his B.Sc. degree from Nagpur University and M.Sc. from Mumbai University. He later went to Harvard University and eventually became a full-time professor at the University of Maryland.

Dr. Narlikar was a recipient of several awards, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2014 and the Bhatnagar Prize in 1998. He also received the NASA Award for Exceptional Scientific Contribution in 1997.

Dr. Narlikar was renowned for his contributions to the field of quantum gravity and astrophysics. He authored several books on physics and astronomy, including "The Structure of the Universe" and "Cosmic Questions: Quest for Understanding the Universe."

Yogesh Narlikar, the son of Dr. Jayant Narlikar, said that a memorial ceremony would be held in Pune, Maharashtra, on May 24 for his father's friends and colleagues.

In a statement, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) said, "The country has lost one of its most distinguished scientists".

profoundly saddened by the passing of Dr. Jayant Narlikar, a renowned physicist and academic whose contributions to the field of astrophysics & cosmology greatly influenced our understanding of the universe.

May his spirit endure through his contributions to science.

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