Nuclear Scientist Rajagopala Chidambaram Death: Scientist Rajagopal Chidambaram, who played an important role in the 1975 and 1998 nuclear tests in the country, died in the early hours of Saturday (January 4, 2025) at the age of 88. An official of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) said that Chidambaram, who was associated with the nuclear weapons program, breathed his last at 3.20 am at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai.
Gave shape to India’s nuclear capabilities
A statement issued by DAE said, “We inform with great sadness that Dr. Rajagopal Chidambaram, eminent physicist and one of India’s most distinguished scientists, passed away at 3.20 am on Saturday. Dr. Chidambaram’s unique contribution to India’s scientific and strategic capabilities and his visionary leadership in science and technology will always be remembered. Born in 1936, Chidambaram was an alumnus of Presidency College, Chennai and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
Chidambaram served in several prestigious positions, including Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India (2001–2018), Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Center (1990–1993), Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, DAE to the Government of India (1993–2000). . He also served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 1994 to 1995. Chidambaram played an important role in shaping India’s nuclear capabilities.
Pokhran nuclear test played a big role
“He played an important role in the country’s first nuclear test in 1974 and led the Department of Atomic Energy team during the Pokhran-2 nuclear test in 1998,” the statement said. His contributions established India as a nuclear power on the global stage.” It said, ”As a world-class physicist, Dr. Chidambaram’s research in the fields of high pressure physics, crystallography and materials science has contributed to the scientific advancement of India. Helped a lot in developing the understanding of the community. His pioneering work in these areas laid the foundation of modern materials science research in India.
Initiated indigenous development of supercomputer
“Dr Chidambaram took initiatives and conducted numerous projects in areas such as energy, healthcare and strategic self-reliance, leading to significant progress in India’s science and technology landscape,” the Department of Atomic Energy said in a statement. Played an important role in taking the indigenous development initiative and conceptualizing the National Knowledge Network which connected research and educational institutions across the country.
A strong advocate of the use of science and technology in the development of the nation, Chidambaram established programs such as the Rural Technology Working Group and the Society for Electronic Transactions and Security, and emphasized consistent coordination of India’s scientific efforts, according to the statement. Chidambaram was honored with many prestigious awards including Padma Shri in 1975 and Padma Vibhushan in 1999. He received honorary doctorates from several universities and was a fellow of prestigious Indian and international science academies.
DAE Secretary Ajit Kumar Mohanty described Chidambaram’s demise as an irreparable loss. He said, “Dr. Chidambaram was a pioneer in the field of science and technology, whose contributions enhanced India’s nuclear capability and strategic self-reliance. His demise is an irreparable loss to the scientific community and the nation.” DAE said Chidambaram will be remembered as a pioneer, inspirational leader and a dedicated mentor to countless scientists and engineers. “We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this time of grief,” he said.
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