Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, who passed away in 2019, was not only one of India’s most celebrated scientists but also an outspoken critic of scientific dogma. While the Big Bang theory has become the predominant explanation for the origin of the universe, Narlikar, together with his mentor Sir Fred Hoyle, developed the “steady state” theory – an alternative cosmological model that argued the universe has neither a beginning nor end.
“Science advances by questioning assumptions,” Narlikar famously declared during his 1991 interview with The Hindu. “Adhering uncritically to a single model stifles progress.”
This month, the Indian National Science Academy, in partnership with academic institutions across the country, is hosting lectures and exhibitions to highlight Narlikar’s contributions and the importance of scientific dissent.
Narlikar, Hoyle, and the Steady State Theory
The Theory That Defied Consensus
In the mid-20th century, most physicists began accepting the Big Bang theory, which proposes the universe originated from a single, dense point approximately 13.8 billion years ago. Narlikar and Hoyle, however, posited the steady state theory: new matter is continually created to keep the universe’s density constant as it expands, and thus it is “eternally existing.”
Though observations in the late 1960s—most notably the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation—tilted consensus towards the Big Bang theory, Narlikar remained a staunch advocate for keeping alternative hypotheses in the scientific discourse.
Impact on Indian Science
Narlikar’s career helped raise the profile of Indian astrophysics internationally. He founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune in 1988, fostering generations of astronomers and encouraging a collaborative approach to research.
“Narlikar taught us to be fearless in our curiosity,” said Dr. Vinita Sharma, a senior astrophysicist at IUCAA. “His example inspires students to rigorously test prevailing theories—an essential tenet of good science.”
The Importance of Dissent in Science
Honoring Pluralism in Cosmology
In honoring Narlikar, Indian scientific leaders are also asserting the need for an open and pluralistic approach to research. At a memorial event in Mumbai, Dr. S. Raghavan, President of the Indian National Science Academy, stated, “True science emerges from debate, not consensus alone. By revisiting and honoring dissenters like Narlikar, we keep the spirit of discovery alive.”
Narlikar exemplified the principle that paradigms in science should remain open to debate. Though the Big Bang remains dominant, the steady state and other alternative ideas form an important part of the global dialogue, sometimes leading to new discoveries or insights.
Fresh Perspectives on the Universe’s Origins
Ongoing Debates and Research
Today, some cosmologists continue to seek answers to questions unresolved by the Big Bang theory, such as what triggered the singularity and what existed “before” the Big Bang. Alternative ideas—cyclic universes, multiverse models—draw inspiration from the pluralistic scientific method championed by figures like Narlikar.
Recent publications, including a 2023 paper in the Journal of Modern Physics, suggest renewed academic interest in re-examining steady state and similar theories, albeit with modern instrumentation and data.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The ongoing recognition of Narlikar’s work underscores the value of skepticism and diversity of thought in education. Major Indian universities are now including sections on alternative cosmological theories in their physics curricula, citing Narlikar’s approach as emblematic of the innovative thinking required in science
