January 4, 2025: Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, a pioneering physicist and architect of India’s nuclear programme, passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 88. He breathed his last at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) confirmed his demise and paid tribute to his remarkable contributions to India’s scientific and strategic advancements.

In a statement, the DAE described Dr. Chidambaram as one of India’s most distinguished scientists, whose visionary leadership in science and technology shaped the nation’s capabilities. Born in 1936, he was an alumnus of Presidency College in Chennai and the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. Over a career spanning decades, Dr. Chidambaram held several prestigious positions, including Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India from 2001 to 2018, Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre from 1990 to 1993, and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.

Dr. Chidambaram played a critical role in India’s nuclear achievements, including the country’s first nuclear test in 1974 and the Pokhran-II tests in 1998, which established India as a global nuclear power. His contributions extended beyond nuclear science to include significant advancements in high-pressure physics, crystallography, and materials science, laying the groundwork for modern materials research in India.

Throughout his career, he championed the application of science and technology for national development. He was instrumental in India’s indigenous supercomputing efforts and conceptualized the National Knowledge Network, connecting research and educational institutions across the country. His initiatives also included projects in energy, healthcare, and strategic self-reliance, reflecting his commitment to leveraging science for societal benefit.

Tributes poured in from across the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing deep sorrow and praising Dr. Chidambaram’s unparalleled contributions to India’s nuclear and scientific landscape. Union Minister Jitendra Singh and other leaders echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the profound impact of his work on India’s development and global standing.

Dr. Chidambaram was honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. He also received honorary doctorates from several universities and was a fellow of prominent Indian and international scientific academies.

As the nation mourns his loss, Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram’s legacy remains a testament to his dedication to science and its transformative potential for national progress.