Eminent nuclear scientist Dr M.R. Srinivasan passes away at 95

Chennai, May 20: Eminent nuclear scientist and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission Dr M.R. Srinivasan passed away today. He was 95.

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As per reports, Dr. Srinivasan, a towering figure in India’s civil nuclear energy programme, breathed his last in Tamil Nadu’s Udhagamandalam.

He started his career in September 1955 and worked with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) for more than five decades.

He worked closely with Dr. Homi Bhabha on building Apsara, India’s first nuclear research reactor, which became active in August 1956.

In 1959, he became the Principal Project Engineer for India’s first atomic power station. His role became even more important in 1967 when he was made the Chief Project Engineer of the Madras Atomic Power Station.

His work helped India take major steps toward becoming self-reliant in nuclear energy.

By 1974, he was made Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division in the Department of Atomic Energy. Ten years later, he became the Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board.

During his time in office, India’s nuclear energy sector grew quickly. Dr. Srinivasan led the planning, building, and starting of several important nuclear power plants across the country.

In 1987, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy. That same year, he also became the first Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

During his time in leadership, India’s nuclear power program grew significantly. Under his guidance, 18 nuclear power units were developed — seven started working, seven were being built, and four were in the planning stage.

To honour his exceptional work in nuclear science and engineering, Dr. Srinivasan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award.