Man Who Led India’s Nuclear Tests, Initiated Indigenous Supercomputers R Chidambaram Passes Away At 88

Mumbai: Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, who played a key role in the nuclear tests of 1975 and 1998 and initiating India’s indigenous development of supercomputers, died on Saturday, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) stated. He was 88. A doyen of science and technology, Chidambaram was associated with the nuclear weapons programme. He breathed his last at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai.

“Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, an eminent physicist and one of India’s most distinguished scientists, passed away, this morning (4 January 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. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this time of grief. The nation mourns the loss of a true visionary,” the Department of Atomic Energy stated in a press release.

Chidambaram’s research in high-pressure physics, crystallography, and materials science significantly advanced the scientific community’s understanding of these fields. His pioneering work in these areas laid the foundation for modern materials science research in India.

He had held numerous prestigious roles throughout his illustrious career, including Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (2001–2018), Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990-1993), Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission & Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy (1993-2000).

He was the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency and (1994–1995). He also served as a member of the IAEA’s Commission of Eminent Persons, contributing to the organisation’s vision for 2020 and beyond.

“He played an integral role in the nation’s first nuclear test in 1974, and led the Department of Atomic Energy team during the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. His contributions established India as a nuclear power on the global stage,” the department stated.

Born in 1936, Chidambaram was an alumnus of Presidency College, Chennai, and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. He had conceptualised he National Knowledge Network, which connected research and educational institutions across the country, and established programmes such as the Rural Technology Action Groups, Society for Electronic Transactions and Security, and emphasised ‘Coherent Synergy’ in India’s scientific efforts.

He was honoured with Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999.