M.R. Srinivasan, a key architect of India’s nuclear programme, no extra

M.R. Srinivasan, former Chairman of Atomic Power Fee (AEC) handed away on Could 20, 2025. Picture Credit score: Particular: Association

M.R. Srinivasan, the previous Chairman of the Atomic Power Fee and Secretary of the Division of Atomic Power, handed away in Udhagamandalam on Tuesday (Could 20, 2025). He was 95-years-old.

Srinivasan joined the Division of Atomic Power (DAE) in September 1955 and commenced his distinguished profession working alongside Dr. Homi Bhabha on the development of India’s first nuclear analysis reactor, Apsara, which achieved criticality in August 1956.

In August 1959, he was appointed Principal Challenge Engineer for the development of India’s first atomic energy station. His management continued to form the nation’s nuclear program when, in 1967, he took cost as Chief Challenge Engineer of the Madras Atomic Energy Station.

Srinivasan held a number of key positions of nationwide significance. In 1974, he grew to become Director of the Energy Initiatives Engineering Division, DAE, and in 1984, Chairman of the Nuclear Energy Board. In these roles, he oversaw the planning, execution, and operation of all nuclear energy tasks throughout the nation.

In 1987, he was appointed Chairman of the Atomic Power Fee and Secretary of the Division of Atomic Power. That very same yr, he grew to become the Founder-Chairman of the Nuclear Energy Company of India Restricted (NPCIL). Below his management, 18 nuclear energy items have been developed — seven of which have been operational, seven below building, and 4 within the starting stage.

His contributions to India’s nuclear vitality panorama might be remembered for generations to come back, his daughter, Sharada Srinivasan mentioned in a press release launched by the household. In recognition of his contributions to India’s nuclear vitality program, Srinivasan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of many nation’s highest civilian honours.

“India will at all times be grateful to him for advancing scientific progress and mentoring many younger scientists,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on social media platform X.

Congress by Congress chief and MP Jairam Ramesh wrote on X: “it has been my luck to have identified him for a very long time and he’s somebody who has left a deep and lasting impression on me by the power of his commitments, his deep appreciation of the bigger social capabilities of science, and his profound understanding of India’s wealthy cultural traditions.“

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, Chief Minister M.Ok. Stalin, and different leaders condoled Srinivasan’s demise.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, a legendary architect of India’s nuclear vitality programme and a Padma Vibhushan recipient. His visionary management and scientific acumen have been central to constructing the nation’s self-reliance in atomic vitality,” the Raj Bhavan quoted Governor Ravi as saying, in a social media put up.

In a social media put up, Mr. Stalin mentioned: “We mourn the passing of Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, a pillar of India’s atomic vitality programme. He started his journey with Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, the daddy of India’s nuclear programme, constructing our first reactor. Over a long time, he led the creation of 18 nuclear energy items, driving vitality self-reliance. A real nation builder. My deepest condolences.”