Prof J.V Narlikar is internationally known for his work in cosmology. He was President of the Cosmology Commission of the International Astronomical Union from 1994 to 1997. He has received several national and international awards and honorary doctorates. He is a recipient of the M.P. Birla award, the “Prix Janssen” of the French Astronomical Society and an Associate of the Royal Astronomical Society of London. Apart from his scientific research, Prof Narlikar has been well known as a science communicator through his books, articles, and radio/TV programmes. For these efforts, he was honoured by the UNESCO in 1996 with the Kalinga Award.
Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Lecture
The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Lecture was first initiatied in 2007 when the then Indian High Commissioner, Mr Bondal Jayshankar, delivered the lecture entitled: “Science, Civilisation and Globalisation: The Challenges within”. The second lecture was delivered in 2008 by Prof S. Jugessur of the University of Mauritius entitled “Science and Technology: A New Development Paradigm”.
The third Rajiv Gandhi Memorial lecture entitled “The Amazing World of Astronomy” was delivered by Prof. Narlikar, Emeritus Professor Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune, INDIA, on 02 March 2010. The memorial lecture was targeted at secondary school students, scientists and members of the general public. Around 250 students and members of the public attended the lecture.
In his lecture, Prof. Narlikar explained the importance of Astronomy throughout the ages; such as the invention of calendars, in organizing religious ceremonies, agriculture and navigation.
He also explained how eminent astronomers such as Tycho Brahe, J.Kepler and Issac Newton were instrumental in the discovery and formulation of laws governing movement of celestial bodies. The mastery of the gravitation law led to sending satellites around the Earth orbit. The satellite revolution had a tremendous impact in our society.
Seminar on Astronomy
A one day seminar around the theme “Modern Developments in Astronomy” was held on 03 March 2010 in the Auditorium of the RGSC. The seminar targeted at secondary school teachers, scientists and university students. Some 200 persons comprising of secondary school science teachers and students from the University of Mauritius attended the seminar.
Four academics from the University of Mauritius delivered their talks on the following themes:
A presentation was also given on the Mauritius Astronomical Society by Mr B. Desai.
Professor Narlikar’s presentation was entitled ‘Search for life in the Universe’.
The first part of this talk described the cosmic setting for life including the evidence from astro-chemistry. In the second part of the talk an experiment sponsored by ISRO was described in which air samples from heights up to 41 km in the atmosphere were collected and examined biologically to lead to the findings of live cells and bacteria. It was argued that these samples could be interpreted as coming from microorganisms showering the atmosphere and the need for further experiments.
Other visits .
During his stay in Mauritius, Prof J.V Narlikar visited the Aapravasi Ghat and the Samadhi of Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam at the Pamplemousses Botanical garden. He also paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister, Hon N Ramgoolam. The Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation took a 30 minutes interview of Prof J.V Narlikar along with excerpts of his presentations which will be broadcasted on the knowledge channel for the benefit of the public at large.
Acknowledgements
The visit of Prof J Narlikar was made possible by the support of the Indian High Commission which facilitated his stay in Mauritius. The Indian High Commission should be thanked for their prompt acceptance to fully spnosor this event. The Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre which initiated contacts with Prof Narlikar through Mr I K Mukherji, former Director General of the National Council of Science Museums, should be encouraged bringing eminent scientists to Mauritius. Finally the support of the Ministry of Industry, Science and Research is fully acknowledged for fully supporting initiatives of the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre in the promotion of Science and Technology in Mauritius.
Conclusion
Both the lecture and the seminar provided a unique opportunity to students, local scientists and academia to take stock of new developments in the field of astronomy and increase awareness among the public about the importance of astronomy to society.
For information on Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar , please click here.
