The Crossbill News Desk
Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, a distinguished nuclear scientist and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 95.
A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Dr. Srinivasan played a pivotal role in shaping India’s nuclear power programme and was closely associated with the country's early atomic energy efforts under Dr. Homi Bhabha.
Dr. Srinivasan joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1955 and began his career by contributing to the construction of India’s first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, which attained criticality in August 1956.
Over the decades, he rose through the ranks to hold several key positions, including Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division in 1974, Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board in 1984, and eventually Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy in 1987.
His leadership was instrumental in the development of 18 nuclear power units across the country. He was also closely involved in the establishment of major nuclear power stations in Kalpakkam, Rawatbhata, Kaiga, Kakrapar, and Narora — facilities that now stand as milestones in India’s nuclear energy journey.
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling it a “significant loss for India’s scientific community.”
In a post on X, Kharge said, “Starting his distinguished career with Dr. Homi Bhabha on India's first nuclear reactor, Apsara (1956), he went on to hold key national roles, including Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Member of the Planning Commission. His visionary leadership led to the development of 18 nuclear power units. His technical brilliance and unwavering service have left a lasting legacy in India's nuclear energy landscape. Our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones.”
Kharge added that Dr. Srinivasan’s “technical brilliance and unwavering service have left a lasting legacy in India's nuclear energy landscape” and extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also paid tribute to Dr. Srinivasan, highlighting his monumental role in India’s nuclear advancement.
“It was under his inspiring leadership that India resolutely and successfully withstood the wihdrawal of Canadian association after India's nuclear test of May 1974. The nuclear power stations now operating at Kalpakkam, Rawatbhata, Kaiga, Kakrapar, and Narora are all shining testimonies to his yeoman contributions to nation-building,” Ramesh said.
He recalled his personal interactions with Dr. Srinivasan and praised his commitment to science, his deep understanding of its societal impact, and his appreciation of India’s cultural heritage.
Dr. Srinivasan’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era in Indian science and technology, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, integrity, and national service.
A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Dr. Srinivasan played a pivotal role in shaping India’s nuclear power programme and was closely associated with the country's early atomic energy efforts under Dr. Homi Bhabha.
Dr. Srinivasan joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1955 and began his career by contributing to the construction of India’s first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, which attained criticality in August 1956.
Over the decades, he rose through the ranks to hold several key positions, including Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division in 1974, Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board in 1984, and eventually Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy in 1987.
His leadership was instrumental in the development of 18 nuclear power units across the country. He was also closely involved in the establishment of major nuclear power stations in Kalpakkam, Rawatbhata, Kaiga, Kakrapar, and Narora — facilities that now stand as milestones in India’s nuclear energy journey.
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling it a “significant loss for India’s scientific community.”
In a post on X, Kharge said, “Starting his distinguished career with Dr. Homi Bhabha on India's first nuclear reactor, Apsara (1956), he went on to hold key national roles, including Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Member of the Planning Commission. His visionary leadership led to the development of 18 nuclear power units. His technical brilliance and unwavering service have left a lasting legacy in India's nuclear energy landscape. Our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones.”
Kharge added that Dr. Srinivasan’s “technical brilliance and unwavering service have left a lasting legacy in India's nuclear energy landscape” and extended condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also paid tribute to Dr. Srinivasan, highlighting his monumental role in India’s nuclear advancement.
“It was under his inspiring leadership that India resolutely and successfully withstood the wihdrawal of Canadian association after India's nuclear test of May 1974. The nuclear power stations now operating at Kalpakkam, Rawatbhata, Kaiga, Kakrapar, and Narora are all shining testimonies to his yeoman contributions to nation-building,” Ramesh said.
He recalled his personal interactions with Dr. Srinivasan and praised his commitment to science, his deep understanding of its societal impact, and his appreciation of India’s cultural heritage.
Dr. Srinivasan’s passing marks the end of a remarkable era in Indian science and technology, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, integrity, and national service.
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