On his Nagpur visit, Dr Narlikar had questioned politics in education

 

 

 

 

The demise of Dr Jayant Narlikar, one of India’s best-known scientists, has created a huge vacuum in science fraternity, not just in India, but also worldwide. Educational institutions of Nagpur like Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) and Shivaji Science College were lucky to host this great scientist of India in the year 2015 as chief guest in different events. In August 2015, Dr Narlikar addressed students during the 102nd Convocation Ceremony of RTMNU where he advocated the upliftment of education standards in India for better future of students. Dr Narlikar, in his speech in RTMNU, said, “One of the main reasons for the degrading quality of education in universities was that there was too much politics on campuses.”

 

An astrophysicist, Dr Narlikar is best known for developing an alternative to the Big Bang Theory of the origin of the universe, in collaboration with his PhD guide Fred Hoyle, who was among the prominent figures of 20th-century astrophysics. For his tremendous contribution in the field of Astrophysics, Dr Narlikar was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1965 and then with Padma Vibhushan in 2004. Dr Narlikar, in his address in the University, had flayed private colleges overcharging capitation fees. “Who will help poor students who can not pay capitation fees? Will the Chief Minister come to help such students by seeking contribution from the Centre?” Narlikar had asked. He also advised students to work for the society for better future of the country.

 

“Even intellectuals have failed to earn respect as they live for themselves and do not want to work for the society. You students should come forward and serve this society for better future of India,” said the great scientist. Dr Narlikar, for first time, came to Nagpur in January 2015 to speak at science training camp ‘Inspire’ at Shivaji Science College. In that programme, Dr Narlikar talked about ancient Indian science and its history. His couple of visits to Nagpur enlightened many students of the city to do selfless work in the field of science and contribute in the growth of our country. The demise of this great scientist who brightened India’s science-based image and proved the importance of astronomy, has left a great void in the scientific community.