NEW DELHI: Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, who was a key determine in India’s nuclear checks in 1974 and 1998, handed away on Saturday, the division of atomic vitality (DAE) confirmed. He was 88 years previous and died at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai, in response to a DAE official.
In a press release, the DAE stated, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, an eminent physicist and one in all India’s most distinguished scientists, this morning (4 January 2025) at 3:20 am. Dr. Chidambaram’s unparalleled contributions to India’s scientific and strategic capabilities and his visionary management in science and know-how will perpetually be remembered.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi additionally expressed his condolences, saying, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram. He was one of many key architects of India’s nuclear programme and made ground-breaking contributions in strengthening India’s scientific and strategic capabilities. He will likely be remembered with gratitude by the entire nation and his efforts will encourage generations to return.”
Born in 1936, Chidambaram studied at Presidency College in Chennai and the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.
During his profession, Chidambaram held key positions, together with principal scientific adviser to the Government of India (2001–2018), director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990–1993), chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and secretary to the Government of India, DAE (1993–2000). He additionally served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 1994 to 1995.
Chidambaram performed a major position in India’s nuclear program. He contributed to the primary nuclear check in 1974 and led the Department of Atomic Energy group through the Pokhran-II nuclear checks in 1998.
The DAE’s assertion famous, “He performed an integral position within the nation’s first nuclear check in 1974, and led the Department of Atomic Energy group through the Pokhran-II nuclear checks in 1998. His contributions established India as a nuclear energy on the worldwide stage.”
Chidambaram was awarded the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. He acquired honorary doctorates from numerous universities and was a fellow of many Indian and worldwide science academies.
Ajit Kumar Mohanty, secretary of the DAE, described Chidambaram’s dying as an “irreparable loss.” He stated, “Dr Chidambaram was a doyen of science and know-how whose contributions furthered India’s nuclear prowess and strategic self-reliance. His loss is an irreparable one for the scientific neighborhood and the nation.”
The DAE stated Chidambaram will likely be remembered as a frontrunner and mentor to many scientists and engineers. It added, “The nation mourns the lack of a real visionary. Our heartfelt condolences exit to his household and family members throughout this time of grief.”
