India’s renowned astrophysicist and cosmologist Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, who passed away in May this year, has been posthumously awarded the Vigyan Ratna Puraskar, the nation’s highest scientific honour under the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar scheme. The announcement, made on Saturday, marks a fitting tribute to one of India’s most distinguished scientific minds, whose groundbreaking work reshaped the understanding of the universe and challenged one of modern cosmology’s most widely accepted theories — the Big Bang.

The Ministry of Science and Technology announced the list of awardees for the 2025 edition of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar on the government’s official portal, awards.gov.in, honouring leading scientists and researchers across multiple disciplines. The awards, modelled on the Padma series, celebrate exceptional contributions in science, technology, and innovation.

A Visionary Mind Who Redefined Cosmology

Jayant Narlikar, who died on May 20, 2025, at the age of 86, was a pioneer in theoretical astrophysics. He is best known for co-developing the Steady State Theory of the universe alongside British astrophysicist Sir Fred Hoyle. The theory, first proposed in the mid-20th century, challenged the Big Bang Theory, which posits that the universe began from a single explosive event roughly 13.8 billion years ago.

According to the Steady State Theory, the universe has no beginning and no end — it has always existed, with new matter continuously created to maintain a constant density even as it expands. This concept, though later overshadowed by evidence supporting the Big Bang, represented a bold and imaginative alternative that enriched cosmological debate for decades.

Narlikar’s work, deeply rooted in both mathematical rigour and philosophical curiosity, sought to address the origin and structure of the universe from a perspective that blended physics with creativity. His research also explored gravitational theory, cosmic inflation, and quantum cosmology, making him one of the most respected scientific thinkers of his generation.

Beyond his theoretical contributions, Narlikar was also a passionate advocate for scientific temper and education. Through his writings, lectures, and popular science books, he inspired generations of young Indians to think critically about science and its role in society.

Recognition Through the Vigyan Ratna Puraskar

The Vigyan Ratna Puraskar, equivalent in stature to the Padma Vibhushan within the scientific community, honours scientists for lifetime achievements and exceptional contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation. Narlikar’s selection was widely welcomed as a recognition not only of his academic excellence but also of his enduring influence on India’s scientific identity.

Throughout his career, Narlikar held numerous prestigious positions, including as the founding director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, where he fostered research collaboration and promoted access to advanced astrophysical studies across Indian universities. He also worked at the University of Cambridge, where he collaborated with Hoyle, and later served on various national science committees, advising the government on space and research policy.

Narlikar’s receipt of the Vigyan Ratna adds to his long list of accolades, which include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, UNESCO Kalinga Award, and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize.

Other Major Awardees Announced

In addition to Narlikar, several other prominent scientists were recognized under the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 in various categories: Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team awards.

Eight scientists received the Vigyan Shri Puraskar for outstanding contributions in their respective fields:

• Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh, popularly known as India’s wheat breeder, was honoured for his pioneering work in Agricultural Science, particularly in developing high-yielding and climate-resilient wheat varieties.
• Dr. Yusuf Mohammad Seikh, Director of the Physics Group at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), received the award for his contributions to Atomic Energy research.
• Dr. K. Thangaraj of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) was honoured for his pathbreaking studies in Biological Sciences, including human genetics and evolution.
• Dr. Pradeep Thalappil of IIT Madras was awarded for his innovations in Chemistry, particularly in materials science and nanotechnology.
• Dr. Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit, Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), was recognized for his contributions to Engineering Sciences, while Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, Director of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), received the award for his work in Environmental Science and sustainable technologies.
• Swami Mahan Maharaj, a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and Professor of Mathematics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), was honoured for his remarkable work in Mathematics and Computer Science, blending spirituality with scientific inquiry.
• Jayan N, from the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO, received the award for his pioneering efforts in Space Science and Technology.

Rising Stars of Indian Science

The Vigyan Yuva Puraskar, which recognizes outstanding contributions by young scientists under the age of 45, was awarded to 14 emerging researchers this year. Their work spans diverse disciplines — from agriculture to physics and technology — reflecting India’s growing strength in scientific innovation.

The awardees include: Jagdis Gupta Kapuganti and Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia (Agricultural Science), Debarka Sengupta and Deepa Agashe (Biological Sciences), Dibyendu Das (Chemistry), Waliur Rahaman (Earth Science), Arkaprava Basu (Engineering Sciences), Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Shweta Prem Agrawal (Mathematics and Computer Science), Suresh Kumar (Medicine), Amit Kumar Agarwal and Surhud Shrikant More (Physics), Ankur Garg (Space Science and Technology), and Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam (Technology and Innovation).

Team Award: The Fragrance of Success

The Vigyan Team Award for 2025 went to the CSIR Aroma Mission Team, which gained national attention for its “Lavender Mission” in Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative transformed the region’s agricultural economy by encouraging farmers to cultivate lavender — a high-value aromatic crop — helping create livelihoods and positioning India as a major player in global essential oil markets.

Honouring Scientific Excellence and Legacy

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, now in its second edition, aims to institutionalize recognition for scientific achievement across sectors. It underscores the government’s emphasis on promoting research, innovation, and public engagement with science.

By selecting Jayant Narlikar for the Vigyan Ratna, the award committee has honoured not only an individual but an entire legacy of scientific inquiry that dared to question established paradigms. Narlikar’s life and work embodied the essence of scientific curiosity — to challenge, to explore, and to seek truth beyond accepted boundaries.

As India continues to advance in space research, astrophysics, and fundamental science, the recognition of Narlikar’s contributions serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual courage. His theories may have sparked controversy, but they also expanded the horizons of cosmology and inspired countless students and researchers to think differently.

In remembering Jayant Narlikar, India celebrates not just a scientist, but a visionary who believed that science thrives on questioning. His posthumous Vigyan Ratna Puraskar stands as a symbol of that enduring spirit — one that continues to illuminate the path for generations of scientists to come.