Nuclear Scientist Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram's Death Is an Irreparable Loss for India
New Delhi: Scientists have mourned the death of renowned nuclear physicist Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, who passed away at the age of 88 in Mumbai on Saturday morning.
As a prominent figure in India's scientific community, Dr. Chidambaram was a key contributor to the country's nuclear prowess and strategic self-reliance, according to Secretary of Department of Atomic Energy Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty. The scientist played a pivotal role in shaping India's nuclear capabilities, including its first nuclear test in 1974 and the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.
Dr. Chidambaram held numerous prestigious roles throughout his illustrious career, including Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (2001-2018), Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990-1993), Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission, and Secretary to Department of Atomic Energy (1993-2000). Under his leadership, initiatives such as Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) and National Knowledge Network (NKN) were launched, aimed at empowering rural communities through innovative technologies.
"His tenure as Principal Scientific Adviser saw the launch of several initiatives that empowered rural communities through innovative technologies," said the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to GoI. "He was also instrumental in establishing the Nanoelectronics Programmes in India, paving the way for the current India Semiconductor Mission."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Ministers also paid rich tributes to Dr. Chidambaram, hailing his contributions to science and technology as an irreparable loss for the nation.
Dr. C.Vijayraghavan, former Principal Scientific Adviser, remembered him as a scientist who connected the earliest stages of India's modern science to the present. "This marks the end of an era in Indian science and technology," he said.
Born in 1936, Dr. Chidambaram was an alumnus of Presidency College, Chennai, and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. He received several prestigious awards, including Padma Shri in 1975 and Padma Vibhushan in 1999. Honorary doctorates from numerous universities and fellowships from esteemed science academies were also bestowed upon him.
The nation has lost a giant in the world of science and technology with Dr. Chidambaram's passing, leaving behind an enduring legacy that will inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and innovation.