New Delhi: Renowned scientist and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, Malur Ramaswamy Srinivasan, passed away on Tuesday in Tamil Nadu at the age of 95.
Srinivasan started his career with the Department of Atomic Energy in 1955. He played an important role in building India’s peaceful nuclear energy program and was instrumental in building the country’s nuclear infrastructure. He is survived by his daughter, Sharada Srinivasan.
He worked closely with Dr Homi Bhabha on the construction of India’s first nuclear reactor, “Apsara”, which achieved criticality in 1956. In 1959, he became the Principal Project Engineer for India’s first atomic power plant.
Srinivasan’s leadership continued to influence India’s nuclear program when, in 1967, he took charge as Chief Project Engineer of the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS).
In 1987, 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 the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
Internationally, he served as Senior Advisor at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna from 1990 to 1992. Domestically, he was a member of the Planning Commission of India from 1996 to 1998, overseeing Energy and Science & Technology portfolios.
He also served on India’s National Security Advisory Board during 2002–2004 and 2006–2008, and chaired the Task Force on Higher Education in Karnataka between 2002 and 2004.
In recognition of his contributions, Dr Srinivasan was honoured with three of India’s highest civilian awards, the Padma Shri in 1984, the Padma Bhushan in 1990, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.
His daughter, Sharada Srinivasan, said in a family statement, “his legacy of visionary leadership, technical brilliance, and tireless service to the nation will continue to inspire future generations”.
