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Time of India
20-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Who was nuclear scientist Dr MR Srinivasan, architect of India's atomic power?
Dr M R Srinivasan Dr Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan, a pioneering figure in India's nuclear energy programme and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission , passed away in Tamil Nadu's Udhagamandalam on Tuesday at the age of 95. The veteran scientist leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership and technical brilliance that shaped the country's self-reliant nuclear capabilities. 'His legacy of visionary leadership, technical brilliance, and tireless service to the nation will continue to inspire future generations,' his daughter, Sharada Srinivasan, said in a statement issued by the family. Born on January 5, 1930, in Bengaluru, Dr Srinivasan was the third of eight siblings. He completed his early education in Mysore, studying Sanskrit and English. Despite a strong inclination towards physics, he enrolled in mechanical engineering at the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), graduating in 1950. He went on to earn a master's degree (1952) and a PhD (1954) in gas turbine technology from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Dr Srinivasan joined the Department of Atomic Energy in September 1955, where he began working alongside Dr Homi Bhabha on India's first nuclear research reactor, Apsara. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 大正製薬が発表。お腹脂肪がつく原因、実は 大正製薬 今すぐ購入 Undo He later served as Principal Project Engineer for the country's first atomic power station and played a crucial role in building the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), which became the backbone of India's indigenous nuclear power fleet. Following the untimely death of Dr Bhabha in a plane crash in 1966, Dr Srinivasan continued to lead key developments in India's nuclear programme. His leadership was crucial in the construction of the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) and the expansion of nuclear power projects across the country. In 1974, he was appointed Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division at the DAE, and in 1984, he became Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board. Under his supervision, India saw a significant expansion in its nuclear power capacity. He served as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, DAE, from 1987, and was the founding Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). Under his leadership, 18 nuclear reactors were developed, seven operational, seven under construction, and four in the planning stages. He also represented India on the global stage as a senior advisor at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna from 1990 to 1992, and as a Member of the Planning Commission from 1996 to 1998, where he oversaw Energy and Science & Technology portfolios. His contributions extended beyond science and engineering into national policymaking, serving on India's National Security Advisory Board and leading the Task Force on Higher Education in Karnataka. In recognition of his distinguished contributions to India's nuclear energy program, Dr Srinivasan was awarded the Padma Shri in 1984, Padma Bhushan in 1990 and Padma Vibhushan in 2015. He was also the recipient of Homi Bhabha Gold Medal from Indian Science Congress, Homi Bhabha Lifetime Achievement Award, Part of Asian Scientist 100 list in 2016 He was a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering, Institution of Engineers (India), and an Emeritus Fellow of the Indian Nuclear Society. Additionally, he was a founding member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). Dr Srinivasan authored the book From Fission to Fusion: The Story of India's Atomic Energy Programme, a seminal work chronicling the evolution of India's nuclear journey. Several dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, and defence minister Rajnath Singh, expressed deep condolences and mourned his death. As India bids farewell to one of its foremost scientific minds, Dr Srinivasan's life stands as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and service to nation progress.
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Business Standard
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Chennai, Kalpakkam civil defence drill today: What residents should expect
India has retaliated and hit terrorist infrastructure deep in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in the wake of attack in Pahalgam on April 22. As part of a nationwide preparedness exercise initiated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Tamil Nadu's Chennai and Kalpakkam are among the districts that will witness a large-scale civil defence mock drill today. Residents are advised to stay calm and cooperate with authorities during the simulated emergency operations. Kalpakkam hosts the only nuclear plant in India with a Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) and a Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), besides affiliated research installations. Moreover, the Madras Atomic Power Station is also situated in Kalpakkam. It is around 80 km south of Chennai. The exercise is part of a pan-India mock drill being conducted across 244 civil defence districts, according to a directive issued by the MHA through the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards. The objective is to test the country's readiness in event of an hostile attack. What to expect Also Read Moreover, it will include the participation of Home Guards personnel, youth groups like NCC, NSS, and NYKS, college and school students, and local residents of categorised Civil Defence districts. Why is the mock drill happening? Following the Pahalgam attack, India has imposed various diplomatic measures and conducted multiple military drills. Meanwhile, the Pakistan military has said that it has test-fired two missiles, even as its troops have been violating ceasefire protocols along the Line of Control for over 12 days now. In its letter to various states and union territories, the Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence and Home Guards said, "In the current geo-political scenario, new and complex threats/challenges have emerged, hence, it would be prudent that optimum civil defence preparedness in the states/UTs is maintained at all times."
