- The most befitting recipient of the very first ASI Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement award is Prof. Jayant V. Narlikar, an astronomer par-excellence, the founding director of IUCAA, Pune and also a past President of the ASI.
- Though the award was announced earlier this year at the 41st meeting of the ASI held at IIT Indore, Prof. Narlikar was unable to travel to receive it.
- The President of the ASI, Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, was in Pune to personally hand over the award to Prof. Narlikar and felicitate him.
- On this occasion, Prof. Banerjee said, “Though their domains of work differed widely, both Prof. Swarup and Prof. Narlikar remained deeply committed to the growth of Astronomy and Astrophysics in the country by building exemplary institutions and devoting enormous efforts towards training the younger generations. They both continue to serve as illustrious role models for generations to come.
- It is an honour for me to hand over the award to our beloved teacher, Jayant.” Colleagues at NCRA also convey their congratulations to Prof. Narlikar and are pleased that the award, named after their founder, has been conferred on Prof. Narlikar, the founder of the institution next door, IUCAA.
- Throughout his life, Professor Narlikar has devoted himself to exploring the mysteries of the Universe and has made significant contributions to the field of Astrophysics, including the development of the Narlikar-Hoyle theory. In addition, he has used his knowledge and passion for the subject to inspire and educate many generations through his popular interactions, films, and books.
- Professor Narlikar was amongst the first to initiate cosmology research in India.
- He was instrumental in creating a dedicated center to promote astronomy curriculum and research in Indian universities. His vision became a reality with the establishment of IUCAA.
Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar gets the first Astronomical Society of India Govind Swarup Lifetime Achievement Award
