Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)

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Briefly

As of 2025

Ardhra Nair, May 21, 2025: The Times of India

Pune : What began in a modest 100sqft room inside Golay Bungalow, once home to Pune University’s registrar, has grown into a 10-acre campus that houses one of India’s most prestigious astrophysics institutes. Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) has come a long way since its inception — a journey as expansive and ambitious as the cosmos it studies.


The vision for IUCAA took shape in 1988 when UGC conceived a plan to establish “centres of excellence”. Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar, who had returned from Cambridge in 1972 and was working at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, collaborated with theoretical physicist Naresh Dadhich. Their shared goal: a national hub for advancing cosmology and astrophysics.


But securing land proved a major obstacle. Pune University, once burned by a prior land arrangement with TIFR, refused to allocate space. “Pune University had given land to TIFR on the condition that their scientists would teach MSc students. When that stopped, the university was upset,” Dadhich said. 
The cosmos had a blueprint — so did Narlikar. He persisted. Support came from unexpected quarters. A meeting with PM Rajiv Gandhi and CM Shankarrao Chavan brought top-level backing. Yet the university vice chancellor remained firm in opposition. Only after a political shift and Sharad Pawar’s appointment as CM did IUCAA finally receive land — a turning point in the institute’s story.


Narlikar’s colleague friend-neighbour Dadhich described the co-founder’s legacy as deeply embedded in time and space. “He carved a special and unique hole for himself in time,” he said. Narlikar died Tuesday, two months short of his 87th birthday, leaving behind not a vacuum but a flourishing centre for astrophysics and cosmology.


IUCAA played a vital role in several landmark projects, from India’s solar mission ADITYA-L1 to international efforts in gravitational wave research. Yet, its deeper contribution lies in transforming university-level research and education. 
“Its main objective was to support publication of university research and promote astronomy. It wasn’t just about infrastructure. It was about shared responsibility. Even administrative staff felt involved,” Dadhich said.


IUCAA’s governance was guided by a philosophy of trust and participation. “Trust breeds trust,” became more than a motto — it became a foundation.


Ajit Kembhavi, another co-founder and former director, began as Narlikar’s PhD student. He was among the first invited to help build IUCAA. “We wanted one central machine for everyone and it worked brilliantly,” he said.


That initiative allowed university professors to spend up to three years at IUCAA, bringing students and gaining access to research tools and networks. It opened a pipeline of ideas and talent. “It transformed research across the country,” Kembhavi said. 


From a cramped room to a world-class institute, Narlikar’s legacy lives on — not in silence, but in hum of telescopes, chatter of students, and curiosity of minds reaching for the sky as stars and galaxies continue to reveal their secrets.