Nuclear scientist R. Chidambaram passes away, played a key role in Pokhran nuclear tests

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, the former chief scientific advisor to the government and a pivotal figure in India’s nuclear program, passed away on Saturday at the age of 88. According to media reports, Chidambaram breathed his last at 3:20 A.M. at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai. Born on November 11, 1936 in Chennai, Chidambaram was known for his significant contributions to India’s nuclear weapons program. He played an essential role in both the Pokhran-I (1974) and Pokhran-II (1998) nuclear tests.

In recognition of his contributions, he was honored with the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. As one of the chief architects of the Pokhran nuclear tests, Chidambaram was involved in transporting plutonium from Bombay to Pokhran in a military truck in 1974. In his memoir, "India Rising: Memoirs of a Scientist," he revealed that the nuclear program remained secret between 1974 and 1998. Over the years, he held prominent positions, including director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). He also served as the chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences on Chidambaram's passing. In a heartfelt post shared on X, he wrote, "I am saddened to hear about the demise of eminent nuclear scientist Rajagopala Chidambaram, who led India's Atomic Energy Commission and played a crucial role in the development of nuclear weapons. His contributions to the two nuclear tests conducted by the country are memorable. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family members and loved ones."