Obituary: Dr. Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan (5 January 1930 – 20 May 2025)
DAE deeply mourns the passing of 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, who passed away at the age of 95 in Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu, in the early hours of 20th May 2025.
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. His 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.
The Department of Atomic Energy extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire scientific community.