NEW DELHI: Veteran Indian nuclear scientist Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram, who was the architect of ‘Operation Smiling Buddha’ (India’s first nuclear test in Pokhran in 1974) and ‘Operation Shakti’ (1998 nuclear tests), passed away in Mumbai at the age of 88 on Saturday.
Born in erstwhile Madras Province in 1936, Chidambaram, who was an alumnus of Presidency College, Chennai, and Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, held several prestigious roles throughout his illustrious career, including being the principal scientific adviser to Union Govt (2001–2018), director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990-1993), chairman of Atomic Energy Commission, and secretary of Department of Atomic Energy (1993-2000). He was also the chairman of the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency and also served as a member of IAEA’s Commission of Eminent Persons, contributing to the organisation’s vision for 2020 and beyond.
In 1974, when India secretly transported the plutonium used in the nuclear blast, Chidambaram sat on the protected chest carrying the ‘plutonium ball’ as it was transported from Mumbai to Pokhran. A firm believer in self-reliance, Chidambaram strongly opposed reliance on imported technology.
“Deeply saddened” by his demise, PM Modi said in a post on X, “Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram 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.”
As a world-class physicist, Chidambaram’s research in high-pressure physics, crystallography and materials science significantly advanced the scientific community’s understanding of these fields. His pioneering work in these areas laid the foundation for modern materials science research in India.
Paying tribute, Department of Atomic Energy secretary Ajit Kumar Mohanty said, “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.”
Union minister for department of atomic energy Jitendra Singh extended his condolences to Chidambaram’s family. “Saddened to learn about the passing away this morning of eminent nuclear scientist Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, who led India’s Atomic Energy Commission and played a key role in the development of strategic weapons,” Singh said.
Chidambaram was also instrumental in initiating India’s indigenous development of supercomputers and conceptualising the National Knowledge Network, which connected research and educational institutions across the country. An ardent advocate of applying science and technology to national development, he established programmes such as the Rural Technology Action Groups, Society for Electronic Transactions and Security, and emphasised ‘Coherent Synergy’ in India’s scientific efforts.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, the nuclear scientist was honoured with Padma Shri in 1975 and Padma Vibhushan in 1999. He received honorary doctorates from several universities and was a fellow of eminent Indian and international science academies.
“The nation owes greatly to this brilliant scientific mind, and we shall forever cherish his tremendous contributions,” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on X. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Chidambaram was one of the titans of science and technology in India for well over five decades.
