Rajagopala Chidambaram, India Nuclear Architect, Dies

Rajagopala Chidambaram, an eminent physicist and a pivotal figure in India's nuclear program, passed away on January 4, 2025, at the age of 88. He was instrumental in both the 1974 'Smiling Buddha' and the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, which solidified India's status as a nuclear power. Rajagopala Chidambaram held numerous prestigious positions, including Principal Scientific Adviser to the government of India, director of India — Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, and chairman of the India — Election Commission of India. His contributions extended to high-pressure physics, crystallography, and materials science, laying the foundation for modern materials science research in India. Rajagopala Chidambaram also championed initiatives in energy, healthcare, and strategic self-reliance, and was instrumental in the indigenous development of supercomputers and the National Knowledge Network. His demise was mourned by prominent figures like Narendra Modi and Piyush Goyal, who acknowledged his profound impact on India's scientific and strategic capabilities.