Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram (88), former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, died at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai on 4th January, 2025.
Key Milestones in Dr. Chidambaram’s Career:
- Nuclear Tests:
- 1974 – Operation Smiling Buddha:
- Participated in India’s first “peaceful nuclear test” conducted at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
- Made India the sixth country to test a nuclear device.
- The test was a secretive operation and utilized plutonium from the Cirus reactor at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), with support materials from Canada and the U.S.
- 1998 – Operation Shakti:
- As Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, led the detonation of five nuclear devices (four fission and one fusion) at Pokhran on May 11, 1998.
- This military-oriented test affirmed India’s status as a nuclear power, leading to international sanctions and subsequent nuclear tests by Pakistan.
- 1974 – Operation Smiling Buddha:
- Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA):
- Served as India’s longest-serving PSA from 2002 to 2018.
- Played a critical role in guiding India’s scientific policies and fostering strategic technologies.
- Condensed Matter Physics and Strategic Technologies:
- Made significant contributions to condensed matter physics, including studies on the behavior of materials under high pressure.
- Advocated for advancements in nuclear energy and indigenous strategic technologies.
Recognitions and Awards:
- Padma Shri (1975): Acknowledging his contributions to science.
- Padma Vibhushan (1999): For his role in strengthening India’s nuclear and technological capabilities.
