Scientist Rajagopal Chidambaram, who played an important role in the country’s 1975 and 1998 nuclear tests, died on Saturday (January 4, 2025) at the age of 88. A Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) official said Chidambaram, who was associated with the nuclear weapons programme, breathed his last at 3.20 am at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai.
A statement issued by the DAE said, “We are deeply saddened to announce that Dr. Rajagopal Chidambaram, renowned physicist and one of India’s most renowned scientists, passed away at 3.20 am on Saturday. India’s scientific and strategic capabilities Dr. Chidambaram will always be remembered for his unique contributions and visionary leadership in science and technology. Chidambaram was an alumnus of Presidency College, Chennai and the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 1936.
Chidambaram has held 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 of DAE (1993–2000). Worked for the Government of India He also served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) from 1994 to 1995. Chidambaram has played an important role in shaping India’s nuclear capability.
“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 contribution established India as a nuclear power on the global stage. It said, “As a world-class physicist in the fields of high pressure physics, crystallography and materials science, Dr. Chidambaram’s research has contributed to scientific progress. India helped a lot in developing the feeling of community. His pioneering work in these areas laid the foundation of modern materials science research in India.
Pioneer in indigenous development of supercomputers
The Department of Atomic Energy said in a statement, “Dr. Chidambaram has taken initiatives and managed many projects in sectors such as energy, healthcare and strategic self-reliance, which have contributed to India’s science and technology.” landscape. Significant progress has been made. Swadeshi development initiatives and the concept of National Knowledge Network which linked research and educational institutions across the country.
A strong proponent of the use of science and technology in the country’s development, Chidambaram established programs such as the Rural Technology Working Group and the Electronic Transactions and Security Society and emphasized continued coordination of India’s scientific efforts, according to the statement. Chidambaram was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. He received honorary doctorates from several universities and was a Fellow of prestigious Indian and international academies of sciences.
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 led to India’s nuclear capability and strategic self-reliance. His demise is an irreparable loss to the scientific community and the nation.” The DAE said Chidambaram will be remembered as a pioneering, inspirational leader and a dedicated mentor to countless scientists and engineers. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this time of grief,” he said.
