Prominent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, who was instrumental in the nuclear tests of 1975 and 1998, passed away on Saturday, as stated by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). He was 88 years old.
Chidambaram, connected to the nuclear weapons programme, passed away at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai, according to a DAE official.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram, an eminent physicist and one of India’s most distinguished scientists, this morning (January 4, 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,” a statement issued by the DAE said.
Chidambaram, born in 1936, was an alumnus of Presidency College in Chennai and the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.
Chidambaram occupied various esteemed roles during his career, such as Principal Scientific Adviser to the Indian government (2001–2018), director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990-1993), chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and secretary to the government of India, DAE (1993-2000).
He additionally held the position of chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 1994 to 1995.
Chidambaram was instrumental in developing India’s nuclear capabilities.
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He advocated for initiatives in sectors like energy, healthcare, and strategic self-sufficiency, and guided several projects that notably progressed India’s science and technology framework, it noted.
He played a key role in starting India’s homegrown supercomputer development and in designing the National Knowledge Network, which linked research and educational institutions nationwide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with various other leaders, such as Union Minister Jitendra Singh and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, honored Chidambaram and commended his role in advancing India’s nuclear weapons initiative.
