M.R. Srinivasan, a key architect of India’s nuclear programme, no more, Pg14

• M.R. Srinivasan (1930–2025), former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), passed away at 95.

• Began his career under Dr. Homi Bhabha, working on India’s first nuclear research reactor, Apsara (1955).

• Played a pivotal role in designing, constructing, and expanding India’s nuclear power infrastructure.

• Awarded the Padma Vibhushan (2015) for his contributions to India’s nuclear programme.

Detailed Insights:

• Served as Principal Project Engineer for India’s first atomic power station at Tarapur.

• Oversaw Madras Atomic Power Station and later led nuclear power development across the country.

• As Chairman of the AEC (1987), supervised policy and project execution at the national level.

• Under his leadership:

  • 18 nuclear power units were developed.

  • 7 became operational, 6 under construction, 4 planned.

  • Founded and chaired the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).

• Known for mentoring scientists and upholding India’s indigenous technological capabilities.

• Advocated peaceful uses of nuclear energy and upheld scientific temper.

Key Concepts:

• Apsara Reactor (1956): India’s first nuclear reactor, symbolising indigenous scientific capability.

• NPCIL: The public-sector enterprise responsible for nuclear power generation in India.

• Indigenous Nuclear Programme: India’s 3-stage nuclear power roadmap emphasizing self-reliance and thorium utilisation.

Significance:

• M.R. Srinivasan was instrumental in operationalising India’s civil nuclear energy vision.

• Symbolised the transition from foreign collaboration to self-sustained nuclear infrastructure.

• His career reflects the institution-building ethos of post-Independence India in science and tech.

Mains Mock Question:

Evaluate the role of M.R. Srinivasan in shaping India’s nuclear power programme. How did his contributions influence India’s technological self-reliance in atomic energy?