Dr M. R. Srinivasan, Pioneering Nuclear Scientist Passes Away
Dr M. R. Srinivasan, a pioneering Indian nuclear scientist and mechanical engineer, passed away on 20 May 2025 in Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu, at the age of 95. Renowned for his instrumental role in India’s nuclear energy programme, he served as the former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and was the founding Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
Early Life and Education
Born on 5 January 1930 in Bangalore, then part of Mysore State, Dr Srinivasan was the third of eight siblings. He pursued his early education in Mysore, choosing Sanskrit and English as his languages of study. Despite a keen interest in physics, he enrolled at the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), founded by M. Visvesvaraya, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. He furthered his education at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, obtaining a master’s degree in 1952 and a PhD in 1954, specialising in gas turbine technology.
Career in Nuclear Science
Dr Srinivasan commenced his illustrious career in September 1955 by joining the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), where he worked closely with Dr Homi Bhabha on constructing Apsara, India’s first nuclear research reactor, which achieved criticality in August 1956. In 1959, he was appointed Principal Project Engineer for India’s first atomic power station. By 1967, he became the Chief Project Engineer at the Madras Atomic Power Station, contributing significantly to India’s self-reliant nuclear power capabilities.
In 1974, Dr Srinivasan was appointed Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division at the DAE. A decade later, he became Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board. His leadership culminated in 1987 when he was appointed Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy. That same year, he became the founding Chairman of NPCIL. Under his stewardship, India developed 18 nuclear power units, with seven operational, seven under construction, and four in the planning stages.
Contributions Beyond Nuclear Energy
Dr Srinivasan’s expertise extended beyond nuclear science. From 1990 to 1992, he served as a senior advisor at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. He was a member of India’s Planning Commission from 1996 to 1998, overseeing Energy and Science & Technology portfolios. Additionally, he served on India’s National Security Advisory Board during 2002–2004 and 2006–2008 and chaired the Task Force on Higher Education in Karnataka from 2002 to 2004.
Awards and Recognitions
In recognition of his monumental contributions, Dr Srinivasan received several prestigious awards:
- Padma Shri in 1984
- Padma Bhushan in 1990
- Padma Vibhushan in 2015
He was also a founder-member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) and held fellowships with the Indian National Academy of Engineering and the Indian Nuclear Society.
Legacy
Dr M. R. Srinivasan’s passing marks the end of an era in India’s scientific and technological advancement. His visionary leadership and technical brilliance laid the foundation for India’s self-reliant nuclear energy programme, ensuring energy security and technological progress. His legacy continues to inspire future generations in the fields of science and engineering.
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P. Palanichamy
May 20, 2025 at 10:34 pmGreat Science and Technological Personality!…Let his soul rest in peace…