Tue May 20 13:54:23 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

The renowned Indian astrophysicist Jayant V. Narlikar passed away on May 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Narlikar was known for his work on cosmology and popularizing science. He had a significant connection to Kerala, inspiring many students through his lectures and interactions. He collaborated with ISRO on high-altitude balloon experiments that discovered bacteria, one of which was named after the space agency. An IUCAA center, which he founded, was also established in Kochi. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Kerala in 2019. His contributions were remembered by figures like former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.

**News Article:**

**Renowned Astrophysicist Jayant V. Narlikar Passes Away at 86**

**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 20, 2025** – Jayant V. Narlikar, a celebrated Indian astrophysicist and science communicator, has died at the age of 86. Narlikar was known for his contributions to cosmology and his ability to make science accessible to a wide audience.

Throughout his career, Narlikar maintained strong ties to Kerala, where he inspired countless students through lectures and appearances at seminars and conferences. In 2018, he delivered a lecture at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, discussing the search for extraterrestrial life and his collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on high-altitude balloon experiments. These experiments led to the discovery of bacteria, one of which was named *Bacillus isronensis* in honor of ISRO.

Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath mourned Narlikar’s passing, remembering him as a “visionary astrophysicist” who inspired a generation with his works.

Narlikar’s influence in Kerala also includes the establishment of an Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) center in Kochi at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat). This center, now known as the IUCAA Centre for Astronomy Research and Development (ICARD), served as a hub for astronomy research and collaboration. Titus Mathew, Professor Emeritus at Cusat and a former coordinator of the center, noted Narlikar’s frequent visits and his engagement with research programs.

In 2019, the University of Kerala conferred an honorary doctorate in science upon Narlikar, further solidifying his legacy in the state.

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