6th V. V. Narlikar Memorial Lecture Held At Jamia Millia Islamia

The Centre for Theoretical Physics (CTP) at Jamia Millia Islamia hosted the 6th V. V. Narlikar Memorial Lecture, an annual event dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Prof. Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, a pioneering Indian relativist whose contributions have profoundly shaped the field of theoretical physics and cosmology.

This year’s distinguished speaker was Prof. Tarun Souradeep, Director of the Raman Research Institute, who delivered an insightful lecture titled “Quest for Cosmic Origin.” The event was attended by eminent scholars, faculty members, students, and researchers from various institutions, reflecting the significance of this annual academic gathering.

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Prof. Tarun Souradeep’s lecture focussed on one of the most fundamental and profound questions in cosmology: How did the universe begin? His talk deeply explored the early universe, cosmic inflation, the cosmic microwave background (CMB), and the latest observational data that shape our understanding of the cosmos. With his expertise in precision cosmology and astrophysics, Prof. Souradeep emphasized the role of CMB anisotropies and gravitational waves in uncovering the physics of the early universe.

He also highlighted advancements in next-generation observational missions, including ground-based and space-based telescopes, that aim to probe deeper into the Big Bang’s imprints on cosmic structure formation. Additionally, he highlighted advancements in next-generation observational missions, including ground-based and space-based telescopes, that aim to probe deeper into the Big Bang’s imprints on cosmic structure formation.

The program commenced with a welcome address from Prof. Sushant Ghosh, Director of the Centre for Theoretical Physics. In his address, Prof. Ghosh highlighted the importance of theoretical physics and cosmology in shaping our understanding of the universe and the role of Jamia Millia Islamia’s Centre for Theoretical Physics’s contribution to cuttingedge research in these domains. He also emphasized the significance of the V. V. Narlikar Memorial Lecture Series in inspiring future generations of physicists and fostering a vibrant academic culture.

Prof. Tabish Qureshi followed with an introduction to the Centre’s research activities. Prof. Rathin Adhikari provided insights into Prof. V. V. Narlikar’s significant contributions and the legacy that this memorial lecture upholds. Prof. Anjan Sen introduced the speaker, highlighting Prof. Souradeep’s impactful contributions to observational and theoretical cosmology. The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session where students and faculty actively participated.

The successful organization of the event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the PhD scholars, faculty members, and staff of the Centre for Theoretical Physics. Their meticulous planning and hard work ensured attendees a seamless and intellectually stimulating experience. The program was attended by approximately 70 scholars from Jamia Millia Islamia, along with esteemed faculty members from Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) and Delhi Technological University (DTU). Their participation underscored the broad academic interest in the lecture’s themes and the scientific community’s collaborative spirit.

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This distinguished lecture series, named in honour of the eminent scientist Prof. V. V. Narlikar, is an essential academic initiative, fostering intellectual engagement and inspiring our academic community through interactions with internationally renowned scientists. Over the years, this series has hosted eminent speakers such as Prof. M. G. K. Menon, Prof. Siraj-ul-Hasan, Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, Prof. Naresh Dadhich, and Prof. Pankaj Joshi.

The Centre for Theoretical Physics (CTP) at Jamia Millia Islamia continues to be an epicentre of excellence in general relativity, cosmology, quantum field theory, and highenergy astrophysics. Recognized for its groundbreaking research, CTP was honoured with the President’s Award for Best Research in 2015.

The V. V. Narlikar Memorial Lecture promotes scientific dialogue and inspires young minds to explore the universe’s wonders. With leading experts sharing their research, the lecture series aims to continue bridging theoretical advancements with observational breakthroughs.