The key figure of India’s nuclear tests, acclaimed scientist, and notable physicist, Padma Vibhushan Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram passed away at the age of 88 on Saturday morning.
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) confirmed the news and released a statement highlighting the contributions of the renowned scientist. It wrote on X, “We mourn the passing of Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, a visionary scientist whose pioneering contributions shaped India’s nuclear capabilities. His legacy will continue to inspire generations. Our deepest condolences.
Dr Chidambaram was born in 1936 and was an alumnus of Presidency College, Chennai, and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
He fulfilled numerous notable roles throughout his exceptional career including Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (2001–2018), Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990-1993), Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission & Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy (1993-2000).
He also served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (1994–1995). Dr Chidambaram was an integral part of the first nuclear tests of 1974 and later led the DAE team during the second nuclear tests in Pokhran. These tests positioned India as a nuclear power on the global stage.
Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE mourning the loss stated, “Dr. Chidambaram was a doyen of science and technology whose contributions furthered India’s nuclear prowess and strategic self-reliance. His loss is an irreparable one for the scientific community and the nation.”
His research in high-pressure physics, crystallography, and materials science played a pivotal role in expanding scientific insights in these domains. He acted as a cornerstone in commencing the development of supercomputers and conceptualising the National Knowledge Network in India connecting research and educational institutions across the country.
PM Modi shared grief and posted on X, “He was one of the key architects of India’s nuclear programme and made ground-breaking contributions in strengthening India’s scientific and strategic capabilities. He will be remembered with gratitude by the whole nation and his efforts will inspire generations to come.”
Dr. Chidambaram was an advocate of applying science and technology to national development. He established programs such as the Rural Technology Action Groups, the Society for Electronic Transactions and Security. He emphasized ‘Coherent Synergy’ in India’s scientific efforts.
For his notable accomplishments in the field of science he was honoured with Padma Shri in 1975 and Padma Vibhushan in 1999.
