NEWS

• The late astrophysicist Prof. Jayant Narlikar was posthumously awarded the Vigyan Ratna Award, India’s highest honour in science, on October 26, 2025.
• The recognition brought immense pride to the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, which Narlikar founded.
• The moment was marked by both celebration and a tinge of regret that the award came after his passing in May 2025.

HIGHLIGHTS

About Jayant Narlikar

• Renowned astrophysicist known for his work on cosmology and the steady-state theory of the universe.
• Founding Director of IUCAA, instrumental in promoting astronomical research in India.
• Science communicator who inspired generations through lectures, Doordarshan programs, and public outreach.
• His daughter Leelavati Narlikar, herself a scientist, accepted the award on behalf of the family.

Double Honour for IUCAA

• Alongside Narlikar, Prof. Surhud More, IUCAA astrophysicist, received the Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) Award in physics.
• His research focuses on cosmology, galaxy formation, and evolution.
• More credited Narlikar’s public outreach as his early inspiration to pursue science.

About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)

• Instituted in 2023; first conferred in 2024.
• Includes categories:
  • Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team Awards.
• Recognizes path-breaking contributions in science, technology, and innovation.