He was associated with India's nuclear weapons program…
On Saturday, 04 January 2025, Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram died. He was 88 years old. According to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), he played a key role in the nuclear tests of 1975 and 1998.
He was also associated with the nuclear weapons programme and took his last breath at Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai, a DAE official said.
"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, an eminent physicist and one of India's most distinguished scientists.
Dr. Chidambaram's unparalleled contributions to India's scientific and strategic capabilities and his visionary leadership in science and technology will forever be remembered," a statement issued by the DAE said.
Chidambaram, who was born in 1936, was an alumnus of Presidency College in Chennai and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
Chidambaram held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career, including Principal Scientific Adviser to the government of India (2001–2018), director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990-1993), chairman of the 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) (1994–1995).
Chidambaram played a major role in shaping India's nuclear capabilities.
Edited By: Tanvi Walia
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