[Blog] The scientist who spoke the language of the stars

Some stars don’t merely 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 not only helped unravel the vast mysteries of the cosmos through profound theories and equations but also possessed a rare gift for storytelling - one 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. Though he is no longer with us, Dr Jayant 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 is the engine of societal progress, and Dr. Jayant Narlikar exemplified it not only as a pioneering scientist but also as a passionate advocate for rational thinking. With unwavering commitment, he brought the light of scientific reasoning to students and society at large, inspiring them to ask “Why?” and “How?” instead of accepting beliefs blindly. For him, promoting knowledge, education, and critical thinking was more than a profession - it was a lifelong mission to combat superstition, ignorance, and blind faith for the greater good of humanity.

Dr. Jayant Narlikar’s contributions to science extended far beyond the boundaries of laboratories and academic research. A gifted teacher, prolific writer, and passionate science communicator, he dedicated his life to making the mysteries of the universe accessible to the common man. Through his research and writings, he demystified the cosmos, revealing that stars are not merely distant points of light but gateways to understanding the vastness of the universe—and our place within it.

Dr. Jayant Narlikar was born into an intellectually rich environment. His father, Professor Vishnu Narlikar, was a renowned mathematician at Banaras Hindu University, while his mother, Sumati Narlikar, was a scholar of Sanskrit. This nurturing backdrop instilled in him a profound respect for knowledge and learning. From an early age, Jayant’s curiosity about the stars and the universe set him apart. His belief in the transformative power of knowledge was not merely a personal conviction - it became a guiding principle he passed on to his students and the broader 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.

Dr. Jayant Narlikar, in collaboration with Professor Fred Hoyle, introduced revolutionary ideas that boldly challenged the prevailing scientific consensus. Among their most significant contributions was the formulation of the ‘Hoyle–Narlikar Theory of Gravitation’ - a ground-breaking 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 exert influence on one another instantaneously, without the need for physical contact. Though controversial at the time, this theory opened fresh and imaginative avenues for understanding the fundamental nature of the cosmos and the forces that govern it.

Dr. Jayant Narlikar’s unique perspective on the universe was a continual source of fascination and intellectual inspiration. He championed the ‘Quasi-Steady State theory’, a bold and imaginative alternative to the widely accepted Big Bang model. The ‘Big Bang Theory’ is the dominant scientific explanation for the origin and evolution of the universe. It posits that the universe began approximately 13.8 billion years ago from an extremely hot, dense point, often referred to as a singularity and has been expanding ever since. 

In contrast, the ‘Quasi-Steady State theory’, co-developed by Dr Narlikar, presented a radically different vision. Instead of a singular explosive beginning, it proposed that the universe undergoes continuous cycles of expansion and creation through numerous ‘mini-bangs.’ This model portrays the cosmos as eternal and self-renewing, a dynamic system in perpetual evolution.

Though not as widely accepted, Dr. Narlikar’s theory was ground-breaking. It stimulated important scientific debate, challenged conventional thinking, and encouraged researchers to broaden their perspectives on cosmic origins and the nature of the universe.

Dr. Jayant Narlikar’s influence extended far beyond theoretical physics. His research spanned the formation of galaxies, the life cycles of stars, and the enigmatic nature of black holes. He made notable contributions to our understanding of these cosmic giants and engaged with complex ideas such as ‘Hawking Radiation’, a theoretical prediction made by physicist Stephen Hawking in 1974. This concept proposes that black holes are not entirely black; instead, they emit tiny amounts of radiation over time and gradually lose mass, a process that could eventually lead to their evaporation.

A true visionary, Dr. Jayant Narlikar recognized the transformative potential of gravitational wave research long before it became widely known. Gravitational waves are tiny ripples in space and time, caused by powerful cosmic events like the collision of black holes or neutron stars. Dr. Narlikar’s early support played a key role in sparking India’s involvement in this exciting field of science. 

First predicted by Albert Einstein, these waves carry vital clues about the universe’s most dramatic events and the nature of gravity itself. By studying them, scientists can explore the farthest reaches of space and uncover new insights into the origins of the universe.                            

Dr. Narlikar’s support for such foundational science reflects his deep belief in the power of curiosity-driven inquiry to expand human understanding, a legacy that continues to inspire and guide astrophysicists around the world today.
In 1988, Dr. Jayant Narlikar co-founded the ‘Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics’ (IUCAA) in Pune with a visionary mission to create a dynamic hub for cutting-edge research, intellectual collaboration, and academic freedom. Inspired philosophically by the Buddhist Eightfold Path, IUCAA blends modern architecture with Indian cultural aesthetics. It stands not only as a centre of scientific excellence but also as a beacon where science, culture, and community unite to advance knowledge and uplift humanity.

Dr Narlikar’s vision went beyond academic excellence to embrace inclusivity. He believed science should be accessible and inspiring to everyone, especially young students who might otherwise feel alienated by the abstract world of physics. By fostering a nurturing environment, he empowered a new generation of Indian scientists to explore the universe’s mysteries, significantly elevating India’s standing in global scientific research.

Dr. Narlikar was deeply passionate about inspiring children and the wider public to embrace science with wonder and joy. Through his lucid writings and ground-breaking research, he nurtured curiosity and encouraged readers to question unfounded beliefs. For him, science was not just a means to understand the cosmos, but a guiding light to navigate life’s mysteries and challenges.

Dr. Narlikar’s famous admonition, “You cannot divide by zero,” goes beyond mathematics. In mathematics, dividing by zero is undefined and causes contradictions. He used this as a metaphor to reject illogical beliefs, superstitions, and blind faith that ignore evidence and reason. By reminding people that “you cannot divide by zero,” he promoted a mindset of critical thinking and integrity that are essential for progress in science and in life.

Dr. Jayant Narlikar’s outstanding contributions to science earned him numerous national and international honours, including India’s Padma Bhushan (1965) and Padma Vibhushan (2004) for pioneering astrophysics. Globally, he received the ‘UNESCO Kalinga Prize’ and France’s prestigious ‘Prix Jules Janssen’. Beyond science, Dr. Narlikar was a gifted writer; his Marathi autobiography won the Sahitya Akademi Award—India’s highest literary honour—showcasing his rare ability to inspire both scientific and literary audiences.

Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar’s life stands as a powerful testament to the journey of scientific inquiry - a quest driven by wonder, curiosity, and the pursuit of truth. He believed that science should be an inclusive adventure, open to all, regardless of background. To him, the universe 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.” Even a child’s simple question -“Why do stars shine?”- could spark profound exploration.

His enthusiasm, clarity, and passion for knowledge made him not only a brilliant scientist, but also a beloved mentor and a cherished friend to the global community. Though he is no longer with us, there is no doubt that his ideas, writings, and spirit will continue to illuminate the path of discovery for generations to come.

As we remember Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, let us honour his legacy by nurturing curiosity, pursuing knowledge with passion, and reaching for the stars with open minds and generous hearts. His life reminds us that in this vast and mysterious universe, understanding is not only possible—it 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, to think deeper, and to embrace the cosmos as a living conversation - one that continues to unfold through each of us. 

About the author: Dr. Shubhankar Mishra

The writer is an Indian government representative serving as the Deputy Secretary General at the World Hindi Secretariat, Mauritius. A recipient of several prestigious awards in the fields of language and culture, he has authored numerous books, monographs, and research papers focused on education, cultural heritage and linguistics. The views expressed are personal.