Nashik residents recall fond memories of Jayant Narlikar’s visits

Nashik: Residents of the city recalled noted Padma Vibhushan astrophysicist and science writer Jayant Narlikar's presidential address at the 94th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan programme held here in 2021, terming it as "unique and significant"."As a distinguished science communicator, Narlikar, while presiding over the literary fest in Nashik, drew the attention of people towards the importance of science. Unlike typical litterateurs who focus on societal customs and emotional elements, Narlikar was a science fiction narrator, who made scientific concepts accessible to the local population in their native tongue. It brings great pride to us that he served as president of the literary gathering's event here," said Rakesh Patil, a professor from Nashik.At the time, those in the literary circles had expected noted writer-editor Bharat Sasane to be announced as president for the programme. However, the selection committee surprised all by announcing Narlikar's name for the post. While he wanted to attend the event, due to ill health, he instead recorded a video message that was played at the venue.Narlikar had visited Nashik on several other occasions, too, introducing residents to several novelties in the sphere of science and literature. "Narlikar addressed Nashik's Vasant Vyakhyanmala twice — in 1968 and 2018. His visits and interactions with locals always inspired youngsters," said Srikant Beni, president of Vyakhyanmala, which has completed more than 100 years now. The open-air programme is conducted on the banks of the Godavari river, and the format has not changed to date.Narlikar also visited Nashik in 1994 when he was awarded the Godavari Gaurav Puraskar, presented by the Kusumagraj Pratishthan, Nashik, at the hands of renowned singer Kishori Amonkar. In 2002, Narlikar delivered a lecture in ‘Lekhak Tumchya Bhetila', an initiative of Nashik-based Jyoti Stores, and another lecture on Narendra Dabholkar Vivek Vyakhyanmala, conducted in memory of Narendra Dabholkar in Nashik in 2014.Narlikar also visited Nashik for the anniversary programme of Gokhale Education Society in 2020.