: Mumbai, May 20, 2025

 

Dr. M. R. Srinivasan, Member of the Atomic Energy Commission, former Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy, and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, passed away at the age of 95 in Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu, in the early hours of today (20th May 2025).

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi condoled the passing of Dr. MR Srinivasan, a stalwart of India's nuclear energy program.

The Prime Minister wrote in a post on X:

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. MR Srinivasan, a stalwart of India's nuclear energy program. His instrumental role in developing critical nuclear infrastructure has been foundational to our being self-reliant in the energy sector. He is remembered for his inspiring leadership of the Atomic Energy Commission. India will always be grateful to him for advancing scientific progress and mentoring many young scientists. My thoughts are with his family and friends in this sad hour. Om Shanti.”

Dr. M. R. Srinivasan was one of the pioneers of India’s atomic energy programme. He joined DAE in September 1955 and began his illustrious career working closely with Dr. Homi Bhabha on the construction of Apsara—India’s first nuclear research reactor—which attained criticality in August 1956. This achievement marked the beginning of his extraordinary journey of scientific leadership, technological innovation, and institution building in India's nuclear landscape.

In 1959, Dr. Srinivasan assumed the role of Principal Project Engineer for India’s first atomic power station and, in 1967, became the Chief Project Engineer of the Madras Atomic Power Station. In these formative roles, he was instrumental in laying the foundation for India’s nuclear power generation capabilities.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Srinivasan held several key leadership positions. He served as Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division in 1974, Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board in 1984, and, in 1987, was appointed Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy. That same year, he became the Founder-Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited. Under his visionary leadership, India witnessed the development of 18 nuclear power reactors—marking a significant stride toward national energy security and technological self-reliance.

A visionary engineer, institution builder, and policy architect, Dr. Srinivasan played a foundational role in shaping India’s indigenously developed nuclear power technologies. Dr. Srinivasan’s steady leadership ensured continuity, stability, and sustained growth during pivotal phases of the nuclear programme. He fostered a culture of collaboration among engineers, scientists, and industries, strengthening the national ecosystem for nuclear energy development. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the nation, Dr. Srinivasan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of the highest civilian honours conferred by the Government of India.

Dr. Srinivasan’s legacy is etched into the very framework of India’s peaceful nuclear energy programme. His commitment, clarity of thought, and relentless pursuit of excellence will continue to inspire generations of scientists, engineers, and technologists.

****

SC/PM

 

Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai    /pibmumbai  pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

 

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2129997) आगंतुक पटल : 335