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Veteran Nuclear Scientist R Chidambaram, Dies At 88

Veteran Nuclear Scientist R Chidambaram, Dies At 88

Veteran Indian nuclear scientist Dr R Chidambaram died on Saturday Morning. Chidambaram took his last breath at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai. He was 88 years old. He was an Indian physicist who is known for his integral role in India’s nuclear weapons program. He coordinated test preparation for the Pokhran-I (1975) and Pokhran-II (1998).

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In a statement, the Department of Atomic Energy said: “Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram, an eminent physicist and one of India’s most distinguished scientists, passed away this morning (4 January 2025) at 3:20 am. Dr Chidambaram’s unparalleled contributions to India’s scientific and strategic capabilities and his visionary leadership in science and technology will forever be remembered.”

PM Modi shared a post on X and expressed his condolences on the demise of Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram.

In a Post on X, he wrote, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram. He was one of the key architects of India’s nuclear program and made ground-breaking contributions to 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”.

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Chidambaram served as the principal scientific adviser to the federal Government of India. He was appointed as the director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). Later was made the chairman, of the Atomic Energy Commission of the Government of India. Chidambaram contributed to providing national defense and energy security to India.

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He was chairman of the board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during the year 1994-95. He was also a member of the Commission of Eminent Persons. Chidambaram was appointed by the Director-General, of IAEA, in 2008. This was to prepare a report on “The Role of the IAEA in 2020 and Beyond”.

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Chidambaram was born into a Brahmin Hindu family in Chennai in 1936. He became a first ranker at Madras University, passing B.Sc (Honours). Later he joined the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, in 1956. He took his master’s degree in one year and PhD in 1961. He was accepted into the doctoral program of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and was awarded the PhD in 1962.

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Recalling his memoirs he once said, “Many of my friends went to the US for post-doctoral studies. I was however not interested in going abroad. Instead, I joined Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in 1962.”

The Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy Dr Ajit Kumar Mohanty said, “Dr Chidambaram was a doyen of science and technology. His contributions furthered India’s nuclear prowess and strategic self-reliance. His loss is an irreparable one for the scientific community and the nation.”

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He was a key player in both of India’s atomic explosions at Pokhran in 1974 and 1998. Chidambaram is the recipient of many awards and honors. The Indian Government acknowledged his contribution to the successful nuclear tests by awarding the Padma Shri in 1975. He was also awarded Padma Vibushan, the second-highest civilian honor, in 1999.

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