Veteran nuclear scientist R Chidambaram passes away at 88

Veteran scientist Rajagopala Chidambaram who played a key role in the nuclear tests of 1975 and 1998 died on Saturday an official of the Department of Atomic Energy said reported news agency PTI He was 88Chidambaram who was also associated with the nuclear weapons programme breathed his last at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai at 320 am the official said reported PTIIt is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram an eminent physicist and one of Indias most distinguished scientists this morning 4 January 2025 at 320 AM Dr Chidambarams unparalleled contributions to Indias scientific and strategic capabilities and his visionary leadership in science and technology will forever be remembered a statement issued by the DAE saidBorn in 1936 Chidambaram was an alumnus of Presidency College in Chennai and Indian Institute of Science BengaluruChidambaram held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career including Principal Scientific Adviser to the government of India 20012018 director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre 19901993 chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and secretary to the government of India DAE 19932000He also served as chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA 19941995Chidambaram played a pivotal role in shaping Indias nuclear capabilitiesHe played an integral role in the nations first nuclear test in 1974 and led the Department of Atomic Energy team during the PokhranII nuclear tests in 1998 His contributions established India as a nuclear power on the global stage the statement saidAs a worldclass physicist Dr Chidambarams research in highpressure physics crystallography and materials science significantly advanced the scientific communitys understanding of these fields His pioneering work in these areas laid the foundation for modern materials science research in India it saidHe championed initiatives in areas such as energy healthcare and strategic selfreliance and steered numerous projects that significantly advanced Indias science and technology landscape it saidHe was instrumental in initiating Indias indigenous development of supercomputers and conceptualising the National Knowledge Network which connected research and educational institutions across the countryAn ardent advocate of applying science and technology to national development Chidambaram established programmes such as Rural Technology Action Groups and Society for Electronic Transactions and Security and emphasised coherent synergy in Indias scientific efforts according to the statementHe was honoured with prestigious accolades including the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999 He received honorary doctorates from several universities and was a fellow of eminent Indian and international science academiesAjit Kumar Mohanty Secretary DAE termed Chidambarams demise an irreparable lossDr Chidambaram was a doyen of science and technology whose contributions furthered Indias nuclear prowess and strategic selfreliance His loss is an irreparable one for the scientific community and the nation he saidThe DAE said Chidambaram will be remembered as a trailblazer an inspirational leader and a dedicated mentor to countless scientists and engineersThe nation mourns the loss of a true visionary Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this time of grief it saidWith inputs from PTI