Mumbai: Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, a distinguished physicist and a key architect of India’s nuclear program, passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 88. His death marks a profound loss for the Indian scientific community and the nation as a whole.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences, calling Dr. Chidambaram one of the “key architects of India’s nuclear programme.” In his tribute, PM Modi stated, “He 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.”
Dr. Chidambaram played a pivotal role in India’s nuclear milestones, including the historic 1974 ‘Smiling Buddha’ test and the 1998 ‘Operation Shakti’ at Pokhran, which solidified India’s position as a nuclear power.
His passing is regarded as an irreparable loss to India’s scientific and strategic community, with his legacy continuing to inspire future generations of researchers and scientists.
