India, May 21 -- Dr Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, one of India's most respected astrophysicists and a tireless science communicator, passed away in Pune early Tuesday morning. He was 86.

Narlikar had recently undergone hip surgery at a city hospital. He is survived by three daughters - Geeta, Girija and Leelavati, all of whom have opted for research careers in science. According to sources close to the family, the last rites are likely to be performed on Wednesday.

A pioneer in cosmology and popularisation of science, Narlikar was instrumental in establishing key scientific institutions and nurturing generations of researchers. Equally important was his lifelong commitment to demystifying science through accessible writing in both Marathi and...