Eminent Physicist and Nuclear Pioneer Dr. R Chidambaram Passes Away at 88

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th Jan. Renowned physicist Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, a key architect of India’s nuclear program, passed away early Saturday at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, at the age of 88. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) announced his demise with deep sorrow, calling him “one of India’s most distinguished scientists” whose visionary contributions shaped the nation’s scientific and strategic landscape.

Born in 1936, Dr. Chidambaram was an alumnus of Presidency College, Chennai, and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Throughout his illustrious career, he held pivotal positions, 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, and Secretary to the Government of India, DAE (1993–2000).

Dr. Chidambaram played a defining role in India’s nuclear achievements, leading efforts during the 1974 Pokhran-I nuclear test and heading the DAE team during the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests. His work cemented India’s position as a global nuclear power.

As a scientist, his groundbreaking research in high-pressure physics, crystallography, and materials science revolutionized these fields, establishing modern materials science in India. He was instrumental in advancing India’s indigenous supercomputer development, conceptualizing the National Knowledge Network, and championing scientific initiatives in energy, healthcare, and rural technology.

The DAE, in its tribute, highlighted his emphasis on “coherent synergy” in science and technology, noting his efforts in establishing programs such as Rural Technology Action Groups and the Society for Electronic Transactions and Security.

Dr. Chidambaram’s contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. He received honorary doctorates from esteemed institutions and was a fellow of leading Indian and international scientific academies.

Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the DAE, called his passing an “irreparable loss” for the nation and scientific community, while the DAE hailed him as a “trailblazer, inspirational leader, and dedicated mentor.”

The nation mourns the loss of a visionary scientist whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.