M.R. Srinivasan, a key architect of India's nuclear programme, no more
M.R. Srinivasan, the former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, passed away in Udhagamandalam on Tuesday (May 20, 2025). He was 95-years-old.
Srinivasan joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in September 1955 and began his distinguished career working alongside Dr. Homi Bhabha on the construction of India's first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, which achieved criticality in August 1956.
In August 1959, he was appointed Principal Project Engineer for the construction of India's first atomic power station. His leadership continued to shape the nation's nuclear program when, in 1967, he took charge as Chief Project Engineer of the Madras Atomic Power Station.
Srinivasan held several key positions of national importance. In 1974, he became Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division, DAE, and in 1984, Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board. In these roles, he oversaw the planning, execution, and operation of all nuclear power projects across the country.
In 1987, he was appointed Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy. That same year, he became the Founder-Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Under his leadership, 18 nuclear power units were developed — seven of which were operational, seven under construction, and four in the planning stage.
His contributions to India's nuclear energy landscape will be remembered for generations to come, his daughter, Sharada Srinivasan said in a statement released by the family. In recognition of his contributions to India's nuclear energy program, Srinivasan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of the nation's highest civilian honours.
'India will always be grateful to him for advancing scientific progress and mentoring many young scientists,' Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on social media platform X.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. MR Srinivasan, a stalwart of India's nuclear energy program. His instrumental role in developing critical nuclear infrastructure has been foundational to our being self-reliant in the energy sector. He is remembered for his inspiring… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2025
Congress by Congress leader and MP Jairam Ramesh wrote on X: 'it has been my good fortune to have known him for a long time and he is someone who has left a deep and lasting impression on me by the strength of his commitments, his deep appreciation of the larger social functions of science, and his profound understanding of India's rich cultural traditions.'
India's legendary nuclear technologist Dr. M. R. Srinivasan has just passed away. Picked by Homi Bhabha himself, he played a pivotal role in the setting up of India's very first nuclear power plant at Tarapur in the late 60s. Later he led the team that established India's… pic.twitter.com/hXPi5HzIHO — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) May 20, 2025
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, and other leaders condoled Srinivasan's demise.
'Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, a legendary architect of India's nuclear energy programme and a Padma Vibhushan recipient. His visionary leadership and scientific acumen were central to building the nation's self-reliance in atomic energy,' the Raj Bhavan quoted Governor Ravi as saying, in a social media post.
In a social media post, Mr. Stalin said: 'We mourn the passing of Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, a pillar of India's atomic energy programme. He began his journey with Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, the father of India's nuclear programme, building our first reactor. Over decades, he led the creation of 18 nuclear power units, driving energy self-reliance. A true nation builder. My deepest condolences.'
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