In his 1983 science fiction narrative, an Indian astrophysicist made a striking prediction about the future of education, envisioning what schools might look like in 2050.
In a thought-provoking scenario, Jayant Narlikar imagines an alien cohabiting with humans, engaging in online classes while seated before a screen. While extraterrestrial beings have yet to make their presence known, the shift to online courses became a tangible reality for students much earlier, in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded.
Narlikar is well-known for proposing an alternative to the Big Bang Theory, which is the widely accepted notion that the universe originated in a singular moment from a single point. He believed that the universe existed eternally, perpetually expanding into the vastness of infinity.
India mourns the loss of one of its most esteemed astrophysicists, who passed away on Tuesday. Narlikar, at the age of 86, was a visionary who significantly influenced a generation of Indian researchers, thanks to his unwavering commitment to science education throughout his life.
The funeral drew hundreds of attendees, ranging from schoolchildren to esteemed scientists and his housekeeping staff, highlighting his significant influence in society.
Narlikar, born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, a town in the western state of Maharashtra, grew up in an environment rich in academic heritage.
The subject’s father was Vishnu Narlikar, a distinguished professor and mathematician, while his mother, Sumati, was a noted scholar of the Sanskrit language.
Continuing the legacy of his parents, the diligent Narlikar pursued higher education at Cambridge University, where he excelled in a highly esteemed mathematical program. He displayed a profound interest in the fields of astrophysics and cosmology.
His most notable experience at Cambridge was his collaboration with his PhD advisor, the renowned physicist Sir Fred Hoyle. Narlikar and Hoyle collaborated to establish a foundational framework for a groundbreaking alternative to the widely accepted Big Bang theory.
Two physicists have challenged the Big Bang Theory, a widely accepted model that suggests all matter and energy in the universe originated from a singular event approximately 13.8 billion years ago.
The Hoyle-Narlikar theory presents a daring proposition: the continuous creation of new matter within an infinite universe. The researchers proposed a theory grounded in what they referred to as a quasi-steady state model.
Narlikar employs a banking analogy in his autobiography, My Tale of Four Cities, to elucidate the theory.
To gain a clearer understanding of this concept, consider the scenario of capital placed in a bank that provides a fixed rate of compound interest. The interest that accumulates is continuously added to the principal, resulting in growth not only of the capital but also of the interest itself.
He described the expansion of the universe as akin to the growth of capital through compound interest. The term’ steady state’ suggests that the universe consistently presents a uniform appearance to the observer.
Astronomer Somak Raychaudhury asserts that while Narlikar’s theory may not enjoy the same level of popularity as the Big Bang, it nonetheless holds significant utility in the field.
“He developed methods that allowed for the continuous creation and destruction of matter within an infinite universe,” Raychaudhary stated.
“Despite the growing acceptance of the Big Bang model, he noted that numerous tools created for the steady-state model continue to hold value in contemporary research.”
Raychaudhary reflects on the fact that, despite Hoyle’s growing interest in aspects of the Big Bang theory, Narlikar steadfastly upheld his belief in the steady-state theory.
A sign positioned outside his office read: “The Big Bang is an exploding myth.”
Narlikar resided in the UK until 1971, serving as a Fellow at King’s College and playing a pivotal role as a founding member of the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy.
As he rose to international prominence in astrophysics, the scientific community in India acknowledged his accomplishments.
In 1972, he returned to India and promptly assumed leadership of the Theoretical Astrophysics Group at the prestigious Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, a position he held until 1989.
His most significant contribution to India was establishing an institution focused on pioneering research and the democratisation of science.
In 1988, a significant milestone was achieved when Narlikar, alongside a group of esteemed scientists, established the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, located in western India.
Starting from a humble 100-square-foot room, IUCAA has evolved into a globally recognized institution in astronomy and astrophysics.
Narlikar held the position of founder-director until 2003 and subsequently maintained the role of emeritus professor.
He emphasised the importance of IUCAA incorporating initiatives targeted at school children and the broader community. Regular events now include monthly lectures, science camps, and workshops.
Reflecting on Narlikar’s vision for the institution, science educator Arvind Gupta remarked, “He emphasized that PhD scholars don’t appear out of nowhere; it’s essential to nurture them from a young age.” He extended an invitation for me to stay, suggesting I take on the role of running the children’s science center for a trial period of six months. Remarkably, that initial offer led to an 11-year tenure. “He provided me with the freedom to soar.”
Narlikar, a prolific scholar with more than 300 research papers to his name, transcended the traditional boundaries of a scientist. He has written numerous science fiction novels that have been translated into various languages.
The narratives frequently drew upon established scientific principles.
In a narrative titled Virus, released in 2015, the author foresaw a global pandemic sweeping across nations. His earlier work, Waman Parat Na Ala (The Return of Vaman), published in 1986, explored the moral complexities surrounding artificial intelligence.
Sanjeev Dhurandhar, a key member of the Indian team that played a pivotal role in the physical detection of gravitational waves in 2015, reflected on Narlikar’s profound influence, which motivated him to pursue what many deemed impossible.
Early in my research, I was presented with a complex problem. Following a week of difficulty, he resolved the issue on the board in just 15 minutes—not to demonstrate his superiority but to offer guidance and inspiration. His willingness to embrace the concept of gravitational waves inspired me to follow that path.
Narlikar, a prominent figure in rationalist thought, has made it his mission to confront the challenges posed by pseudoscience. In 2008, he collaborated on a research paper that employed statistical analysis to contest the validity of astrology.
Raychaudhary expressed that his drive to confront pseudoscience stems from a foundational belief in the importance of questioning all claims lacking a scientific foundation.
However, in the realm of science, Narlikar advocated delving into even the most marginal possibilities.
In his final days, Narlikar remained dedicated to his passions, engaging with children’s letters and sharing insights on science through his blog.
