J. V. Narlikar

Dr. J. V. Narlikar: A Leading Indian Astrophysicist
Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is a well-known Indian astrophysicist who has made significant contributions to the study of the universe. He is famous for questioning the "big bang" theory and once supported the "steady state" theory, which suggests that the universe has always existed in the same way, with new matter being created to fill gaps caused by the movement of galaxies.

Work on Gravitational Theory
At the age of 26, Narlikar collaborated with his teacher, Fred Hoyle, to develop a new theory of gravitation, which was seen as a major breakthrough in physics. His work was considered as important as Einstein's theory of relativity, and he was often called "India’s Einstein" for his exceptional contributions to science.

Early Life and Education
Narlikar grew up in a family of mathematicians and was encouraged from a young age to solve challenging mathematical problems. After completing his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University, he went to Cambridge to work under Fred Hoyle at King's College. His research in astronomy brought him many awards and global recognition.

Career and Contributions to Astrophysics
In 1972, Narlikar returned to India and became a Professor of Astrophysics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. He is currently the Director of the Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Pune, Maharashtra. Narlikar is working on the study of tachyons (particles that travel faster than light) and black holes, suggesting that black holes could absorb tachyons and shrink in size, which could be a way to detect them.

Science Popularization and Writing
In addition to his research, Narlikar has worked hard to make science more accessible to the public. He is also a science fiction writer, helping to bring complex scientific ideas to a broader audience and inspire future generations of scientists.