Latest news with #JayantNarlikar
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Writing contest to pay tribute to Narlikar
Kolhapur: A science story writing competition have been organised to honour astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar, who recently passed away by city-based organisations Akshar Dalan and Nirdhar Pratishthan. "We are going to publish the best science stories in a book format on May 20, which is the death anniversary of Narlikar. Anyone can participate in the contest irrespective of age, profession, etc,"said Uday Kulkarni, organiser of the competition. The stories with a total word count of 3,000 to 5,000, should be typed and submitted before Sept 30 via email. The writers of the first five best stories will receive a cash reward, and those who qualify for an award will receive a certificate of appreciation. Narlikar was born in Kolhapur and wrote extensively about his days in Kolhapur, especially during summer holidays, in his memoir, My Tale of Four Cities.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Maharashtra govt sets up science and innovation activity centres in honour of scientist Jayant Narlikar
Mumbai: The state govt will set up Science and Innovation Activity Centres (SIAC) in honour of the late scientist Jayant Narlikar, announced information technology minister Ashish Shelar. In a statement in the legislative council on Friday, Shelar said these would be set up in 23 districts with 28 new technology labs. The project is expected to cost approximately Rs 192 crore, he said. "Promoting scientific temper among citizens is regarded as a fundamental duty by the Indian Constitution. In line with this vision, the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission (RGSTC) has, since 2015, set up Science and Innovation Activity Centres (SIAC) in select districts of Maharashtra to spark scientific curiosity and interest among school-aged students. Now, this transformative initiative will be relaunched and expanded across the state under the esteemed name of legendary scientist Jayant Narlikar," said Shelar. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai He said the SIAC initiative is an important step towards instilling scientific temperament among students in Maharashtra and aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These centres are not just meant for schools but will become hubs of knowledge for the entire community. Expanding SIACs to all districts will help create a science-friendly Maharashtra in the future. A professional team comprising curators, engineers, and retired officials will be formed to oversee implementation and operations. The initiative will involve collaboration with the central govt, the National Council of Science Museums, and other institutions, the minister added.
Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Eleven years: A critique
There is never one correct point of view. Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity was questioned by eminent scientists, among them Jayant Narlikar. As long as there is no ill-motive, every point of view has some truth and must be respected — a quality that the present government has not cultivated in the last 11 years. Mr Narendra Modi has just completed 11 years in office, making him the third longest-serving prime minister of India. That is a testimony to his tenacity and ability to win elections for his party. There are pluses and minuses in every government, and the NDA government is no exception. Mr Modi's government relies on metrics: in a developing country, the usual economic metrics can only add to the stock. If schools are built or roads are constructed, it will add to the stock of schools (in number) or roads (in kilometres). However, the people's standards for assessing a government's work are different: they are based on an unquantifiable metric called 'good governance'. Under good governance, the country is seen as a better (for all), stronger and fairer place and the individual is satisfied that his family's life will become even better. The quality of governance cannot be fully discerned in quantitative metrics. In my assessment, India is not better for all or stronger or fairer place today than what it was in 2014. Besides, while the lives of millions have become better, the lives of many more millions are blighted by uncertainty, poverty, unemployment and fear. Economic reforms and liberalisation were launched with the objective of raising India's growth rate. In the 10 years under UPA (2004-2014), the average GDP growth rate was 7.46 per cent (old series) and 6.7 per cent (new series). After 2014-15, and especially after 2019-20, the official data point to a slowing down of the growth rate. 2024-25 too has witnessed modest growth. The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of real GDP since 2014-15 was 6.1 per cent; since 2019-20, the CAGR has fallen to 5.1 per cent. Agriculture, industry and manufacturing have recorded a deceleration and are under 5 per cent. It is only 'services' that has grown at 5.4 per cent. The key to a better life of the vast population is the per capita income of the people, not the size of the nominal GDP. Under the UPA government, the per capita income more than doubled in 10 years; it actually increased 2.64 times from USD 543 to USD 1,438. Under the NDA government's first 10 years, it increased by only 1.89 times from USD 1,438 to USD 2,711, and it doubled to USD 2,878 only in the 11th year. At this level, India ranks 136 out of 196 countries. India has missed by a wide margin the target of growing at 8 per cent for a sustained period of 20 years in order to reach the threshold of a developed country (per capita of USD 14,000). Apart from the growing inequality among the rich/uber-rich (the top 20 per cent) and the very poor (the bottom 20 per cent), there is a pervasive sense of fear and insecurity. Besides, there is abundant evidence of assertive majoritarianism, growing communal and caste strife, virulent hate speeches and writing, unashamed crony capitalism, collapse of the criminal justice system, severe fractures in the federal structure, and creeping authoritarianism. Two examples will suffice: (1) the weaponisation of laws from Income-tax Act to Prevention of Money Laundering Act to achieve political ends and (2) the callousness of investing Rs 1,08,000 crore on a bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai when 29,970 persons died and 30,214 were injured between 2014 and 2025 in the fund-starved Mumbai suburban train network. I refer to 'strong' in the sense of unity, friendly and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries, secure borders, capable armed forces, cordial diplomatic and trade relations with countries of the world, and a honourable standing in international organisations. After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor, the weaknesses were exposed. India did not send delegations to the neighbours such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Maldives or Mauritius; nor did these countries speak publicly. Many countries condemned the terrorist attack but no country condemned Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism. India's presumed advantage over Pakistan in a conventional war has come under a cloud. Despite the foundational agreements and QUAD, the United States imposed tariffs on Indian goods and hyphenated India and Pakistan. Despite being one of only 25 members of the IMF Executive Board and of the World Bank Board of Directors, both bodies voted large loans to Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. India fought the four-day war using mainly French, Russian and Israeli military hardware. India may be strong but not as strong as we believed. By all accounts, every power is concentrated in the hands of Mr Narendra Modi. He may deserve to claim sole credit for the government's achievements; he should also bear sole responsibility for its failures. When I ask myself 'Am I proud to be an Indian?', the answer is yes. When I ask myself 'Am I happy with the way India is governed?', the answer is no. I look forward to the day when India will become a better (for all), stronger and fairer country.
Indian Express
02-06-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Jayant Narlikar, the storyteller who brought the stars closer to India
Some people do not come in through the door but rather jump through the roof. Jayant Narlikar was one of them. In 1964, when Fred Hoyle and he announced in Cambridge University their new theory of gravity, suddenly Jawaharlal Nehru's modern India found a hero in science. It is therefore no surprise that Narlikar became a household name overnight in a country seeking its bearings in the world of science and technology. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, just two months short of his 87th birthday on July 19, marking the end of an era. He doesn't leave behind a vacuum but a thriving world-class institute in the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA); a galaxy of young women and men inspired by his work and books; and millions of admirers all over the globe. He has 'curved' a special place for himself in 'time'. That would be the right way to remember him and a fitting tribute. Today, we should celebrate the life of a great human being, committed to science and its propagation, a man who personified excellence in whatever he indulged in. It is a matter of great privilege for some of us who had the opportunity to work with him at various levels. He had the uncanny knack of getting the best out of everyone by sharing and involving them in things. Narlikar was an outstanding student at Cambridge, winning laurels, including the coveted Adams Prize, which he shared with Roger Penrose, who went on to become a Nobel Laureate. He was among the front-ranking researchers of his time. The Hoyle–Narlikar theory was developed in support of the steady state theory of cosmology, which proposed that the universe looks the same from every point in space and at all times, and that it has no beginning or end. However, this theory eventually fell out of favour as astronomical observations provided strong evidence that the universe had a definite beginning, marked by a massive explosion known as the Big Bang. The term 'Big Bang' was actually coined by Hoyle — ironically, one of the main proponents of the steady state theory. Narlikar was, in fact, among the last prominent supporters of the steady state model. He was a brilliant researcher and had the conviction and courage to ride against the tide and still be held in the highest esteem even by his academic opponents. The distinguished visitors to IUCAA, including Nobel laureates, bear testimony to this fact. IUCAA was his greatest gift to science and the nation. He wanted to facilitate research in astronomy in universities. It is gratifying to see university students and faculty doing pathbreaking research and publishing their work in front-ranking journals. This is what would have pleased him the most. The thing that stands out most is his missionary zeal to communicate science and its method to young students and ordinary people through his innumerable public lectures and science-fiction books. It would be no exaggeration to say that it is this aspect that strongly endeared him to people. There are many renowned scientists in the country, but none have attained his kind of popularity and respect. To this end, let me recall an incident from 1997 when he had organised Penrose's lecture in Pune's Balgandharva theatre. Such was the demand to listen to him that there was nearly a riot-like situation with people who could not get in shouting and banging at the gates, and, from the other side, Shriram Lagoo was pacifying them, saying that it was their very own Narlikar's event. The ultimate value of one's work and contribution is how far and how well it is remembered. Besides his scientific work, the two things that will keep his memory alive will be the institute, IUCAA, and his popular writings and science fiction. I am sure that even after 50 years or more, one would certainly come across people who had been motivated by him. Let me end on a personal note. In 1965, three of us travelled from Vallabh Vidyanagar to Ahmedabad to listen to Narlikar's lecture in the Atira hall. Little did I know then that I would end up spending over half a century intimately interacting and working with him. That is something I will always treasure. The writer, a former director of IUCAA, was Narlikar's colleague for five decades
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Narlikar was deeply committed to IUCAA's welfare: Srianand
IUCAA is a living memory of Jayant Narlikar,' said professor R Srianand, director, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) recalling the legacy of the astrophysicist who laid the foundation for one of India's premier research institutions. 'Even decades from now, I believe IUCAA will continue to reflect the ideals he established. Our ideas may evolve with time and context, but the spirit he injected into this institute will remain unchanged.' The Pune International Centre on Saturday hosted the Dr Jayant Narlikar Memorial Lecture as tribute to the life and works of the globally known scientist and founding director of IUCAA. Srianand said, 'One of the most important things I hope to learn from him is how to conduct meaningful, independent research. He was among the few who boldly proposed alternate theories about the universe.' He noted Narlikar's extraordinary ability to engage and continuously inspire students, recalled the structured pace of his lectures — very calm, non-hurried, and deeply impactful. 'You would never feel rushed in his class,' he said. 'He maintained a consistent speed throughout the one hour and yet managed to cover a tremendous amount of material. It reflected the level of preparation and research he brought to his lecture.' Srianand said that Narlikar as an administrator was a very democratic person, tolerant, and deeply committed to the welfare of the IUCAA. 'He had incredible tolerance. Where others might have reacted harshly, he chose to listen and let people be heard. Despite being an internationally respected physicist, Narlikar always remained available for everyone from faculty to driver,' he said. He recalled Narlikar's emotional attachment to IUCAA, especially his continued presence at events such as retirement functions of faculty, and did not impose his ideas on the new director. Professor Ajit Kembhavi said, 'Narlikar, along with Fred Hoyle and others, helped develop the Steady State Theory, which was a serious alternative to the Big Bang. They suggested that new matter is constantly created, so the universe always looks the same and has no beginning. Even though this idea was later set aside after the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation, it was an important and creative theory at the time.'
