My interest in science has always been strong, despite the fact that I was a Humanities student studying History at the University of Pune. As post graduate students we were required to select an elective subject, and I decided to take a subject that focused on the history and philosophy of science and technology.
We were introduced to a variety of aspects of science and technology by our professor, Dr. Rekha Ranade, who is a knowledgeable scholar in the field of history and also has a background in science. A few of these activities included reading a variety of books or going to locations of interest that were related to our topic. She is among those who are aware of the fact that art and science can coexist in a beautiful harmony, so she drove us towards this exploration.
On the occasion of the establishment of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), she accompanied us on a trip to the department.
To begin, the tranquility of the campus was what initially drew me to that part of our campus. As we continued our conversation, I was increasingly fascinated by the field of astrophysics and Dr.Jayant Narlikar's work. He started his independent career in India at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) going on to establish IUCAA at Pune.
In the past, to me, science has appeared to be nothing more than complicated formulae, diagrams and logic. Her explanation of Dr. Narlikar's work and personality introduced me to a new facet of science, one that is brimming with imagination, intellectual honesty, and a profound feeling of awe. In addition to being a pioneer in the field of cosmology and a well-known astrophysicist, Dr. Narlikar was also a collaborator of Sir Fred Hoyle. He was not only able to explain the universe but also make you experience it. In addition to his contributions to the scientific community, and scientific temper, he was characterized by a spirit of questioning, of challenging orthodoxy, and of bridging the gap between the known and the unknown. His kind disposition, the humility with which he carried his towering mind, and his unique devotion for reading were probably even more striking than his towering intellect when it came to writing.
In the past, to me, science has appeared to be nothing more than complicated formulae, diagrams and logic. Her explanation of Dr. Narlikar's work and personality introduced me to a new facet of science, one that is brimming with imagination, intellectual honesty, and a profound feeling of awe. In addition to being a pioneer in the field of cosmology and a well-known astrophysicist, Dr. Narlikar was also a collaborator of Sir Fred Hoyle. He was not only able to explain the universe but also make you experience it. In addition to his contributions to the scientific community, and scientific temper, he was characterized by a spirit of questioning, of challenging orthodoxy, and of bridging the gap between the known and the unknown. His kind disposition, the humility with which he carried his towering mind, and his unique devotion for reading were probably even more striking than his towering intellect when it came to writing.
A man who demonstrated that it was possible to pursue the stars in the cosmos yet maintain a connection to poetry on earth was shown here. That science and the arts did not have to be separated from one another or in reality, scientists and artists can collaborate was something he demonstrated with ease.
Dr. Narlikar had said that "Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge." There is no doubt that his life exemplified this idea. Not only was he a pioneering physicist, but he was also a talented writer who was able to convey complicated concepts to the general audience in a manner that was both graceful and clear. His many books include, The Lighter Side of Gravity, which is an exploration of physics with humor and ease, Scientific Edge, which is a highlight of India's scientific minds; The Structure of the Universe, which is a deep dive into cosmology; Seven Wonders of the Universe, which is a journey for young readers; It Happened Tomorrow, which is a collection of science fiction stories with an Indian touch; A Cosmic Adventure is where science and storytelling are brought together for people of all ages. Apart from this, he also played a major role in the writing physics textbooks of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
No wonder he received the Padma Bhushan at a very young age followed by the Padma Vibhushan combined with a literary award from the Sahitya Akademi. He was also honoured with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award by the State of Maharashtra.
I was a student of history with a passing interest in science. I couldn't have suddenly understood black holes or cosmic background radiation in one day's visit to IUCAA but I certainly walked out of the room with a tremendous appreciation for it; rather, I saw the heart underlying the body of scientific knowledge.
Today, when I think about Dr. Narlikar, he is more than simply a name in the field of Indian astrophysics, he became a representation of what it means to be a genuine seeker. A conscious, kind, and brave scientist who inspired generations of physics and mathematics students in India, especially in the field of astrophysics.
Furthermore, Dr. Rekha had mentioned that Dr. Narlikar's passion for history and science was the driving force behind his decision to bring a branch of the apple tree under which Newton sat and plant it in the IUCAA campus. I had been speechless when I saw that piece of history and science together. It is possible that the branch of the apple tree that he planted may not have survived, but his legacy will not only survive but continue to shine brightly like the stars, the moon, and the cosmos which were a part of his universe.
Dr. Narlikar had said that "Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge." There is no doubt that his life exemplified this idea. Not only was he a pioneering physicist, but he was also a talented writer who was able to convey complicated concepts to the general audience in a manner that was both graceful and clear. His many books include, The Lighter Side of Gravity, which is an exploration of physics with humor and ease, Scientific Edge, which is a highlight of India's scientific minds; The Structure of the Universe, which is a deep dive into cosmology; Seven Wonders of the Universe, which is a journey for young readers; It Happened Tomorrow, which is a collection of science fiction stories with an Indian touch; A Cosmic Adventure is where science and storytelling are brought together for people of all ages. Apart from this, he also played a major role in the writing physics textbooks of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
No wonder he received the Padma Bhushan at a very young age followed by the Padma Vibhushan combined with a literary award from the Sahitya Akademi. He was also honoured with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award by the State of Maharashtra.
I was a student of history with a passing interest in science. I couldn't have suddenly understood black holes or cosmic background radiation in one day's visit to IUCAA but I certainly walked out of the room with a tremendous appreciation for it; rather, I saw the heart underlying the body of scientific knowledge.
Today, when I think about Dr. Narlikar, he is more than simply a name in the field of Indian astrophysics, he became a representation of what it means to be a genuine seeker. A conscious, kind, and brave scientist who inspired generations of physics and mathematics students in India, especially in the field of astrophysics.
Furthermore, Dr. Rekha had mentioned that Dr. Narlikar's passion for history and science was the driving force behind his decision to bring a branch of the apple tree under which Newton sat and plant it in the IUCAA campus. I had been speechless when I saw that piece of history and science together. It is possible that the branch of the apple tree that he planted may not have survived, but his legacy will not only survive but continue to shine brightly like the stars, the moon, and the cosmos which were a part of his universe.
R. Vimala, IAS,
Compassionate Civil Servant & PhD Scholar at IIT Bombay
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