Dr. R Chidambaram, Architect of India's Nuclear Programme, Passes Away at 88
Mumbai: The nation has lost one of its most distinguished scientists and leaders when Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, former head of the Atomic Energy Commission and key architect of India's nuclear programme, passed away on Saturday morning at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai.
The 88-year-old had been unwell for some time before his passing, according to a Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) official. Dr. Chidambaram played a pivotal role in shaping India's scientific and strategic capabilities during his illustrious career spanning over five decades.
Born in 1936, Dr. Chidambaram was an alumnus of Presidency College, Chennai, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. He obtained his PhD from IISc before joining the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in 1962, which marked the beginning of a prolific career in nuclear science.
Dr. Chidambaram's contributions to India's nuclear programme were instrumental in establishing the country as a nuclear power on the global stage. He played a pivotal role in India's two nuclear tests, conducted in 1974 and 1998, and was instrumental in finalising the civil nuclear agreement with the United States.
As a pioneer in his field, Dr. Chidambaram served as Director of BARC from 1990 to 1993 and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary to the Government of India, DAE, from 1993 to 2000. He succeeded Dr APJ Abdul Kalam as the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, a position he held for over 17 years.
Throughout his career, Dr. Chidambaram made significant contributions to science and technology, advancing our understanding of high-pressure physics, crystallography, and materials science. He championed indigenous supercomputer development and conceptualised the National Knowledge Network, which connects educational and research institutions nationwide.
The nation mourns the loss of a true visionary who left an indelible mark on India's scientific and strategic landscape. Dr. Chidambaram's legacy will continue to inspire generations with his trailblazing contributions.
Tributes Poured In
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating that Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram was one of the key architects of India's nuclear programme and made groundbreaking contributions in strengthening India's scientific and strategic capabilities.
"Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE, described Dr. Chidambaram's passing as an 'irreparable loss' to the scientific community and the nation."