Nuclear scientist who shook the world with Pokhran nuclear test passes away, PM Modi made emotional post

New Delhi: The country’s former chief scientific advisor Dr. Rajagopal Chidambaram died on Saturday at the age of 88. he/she breathed his/her last at 3.20 am on Saturday at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Dr. Rajagopal Chidambaram, the country’s former chief scientific advisor, who played an important role in the Pokhran nuclear test. PM Modi wrote in a post on the social media platform X, ‘Dr. Deeply saddened by the demise of Rajagopal Chidambaram. he/she was one of the principal architects of India’s nuclear program and made significant contributions to strengthening India’s scientific and strategic capabilities. The entire nation will remember him/her with gratitude and his/her efforts will inspire future generations.

Who is Dr. Rajagopal Chidambaram?

Dr. Rajagopal Chidambaram, born on November 11, 1936 in Chennai, is known for his/her important role in India’s nuclear weapons program. he/she played an important role in the nuclear tests of Pokhran-1 (1975) and Pokhran-2 (1998). Chidambaram was awarded Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan in the year 1975 and 1999.

Chief architect of the nuclear program

The chief architect of the Pokhran nuclear tests traveled in a military truck carrying plutonium from Bombay to Pokhran in 1974. In India Rising Memoir of a Scientist, he/she revealed that this program was kept secret between 1974 and 1998. Chidambaram served as the Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Director of the Department of Atomic Energy (AEC). Also worked as Secretary of DAE. Apart from this, he/she was also the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).