Senior scientist and one of the key architects of India’s nuclear programme, Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, passed away in the early hours on Saturday at a hospital in Mumbai. He was 88 and had been unwell for several days. Dr. Chidambaram played a pivotal role in shaping India’s nuclear weapons programme. He was instrumental in India’s first nuclear test in 1974, as well as the Pokhran-II tests in 1998, which established India as a nuclear power. He held several key scientific and strategic positions, including Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, and Chairperson of the Atomic Energy Commission. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1975, followed by the Padma Vibhushan in 1999.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on the demise of Senior Scientist Dr. Rajagopal Chidambaram. In a social media post, Mr. Modi said that the scientist was one of the key architects of India’s nuclear programme. He hailed his contributions in strengthening India’s scientific and strategic capabilities. Mr. Modi also said that he will be remembered with gratitude by the whole nation, and his efforts will inspire generations to come.