NEW DELHI: Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, who played a key role in the nuclear tests of 1974 and 1998, passed away on Saturday, according to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). He was 88.Chidambaram, who was also associated with the nuclear weapons programme, breathed his last at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai, a DAE official said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the demise of Chidambaram.”He was one of the key architects of India’s nuclear programme and made ground-breaking contributions in strengthening India’s scientific and strategic capabilities. He will be remembered with gratitude by the whole nation and his efforts will inspire generations to come,” the prime minister said.Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh extended his condolences to Chidambaram’s family.”Saddened to learn about the passing away this morning of eminent nuclear scientist Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, who led India’s Atomic Energy Commission and played a key role in the development of strategic weapons. Dr. Chidambaram’s role in the two nuclear tests conducted by India was memorable. He also had the distinction of being Principal Scientific Advisor to the Govt of India for 17 years,” Singh said.Chidambaram held numerous prestigious positions during his six-decade career, including Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (2001-2018), director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990-1993), chairman of Atomic Energy Commission, and secretary to the government of India, DAE (1993-2000).He also served as chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (19941995).”The nation owes greatly to this brilliant scientific mind, and we shall forever cherish his tremendous contributions,” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post on X.Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, termed Chidambaram’s demise an irreparable loss.”Dr. Chidambaram was a doyen of science and technology whose contributions furthered India’s nuclear prowess and strategic self-reliance. His loss is an irreparable one for the scientific community and the nation,” he said.
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