Dr. M. R. Srinivasan

Dr. M. R. Srinivasan, veteran nuclear scientist and former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission passed away in Ooty, aged 95, on May 20, 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy.

Dr. Srinivasan's leadership was instrumental in the establishment and expansion of India's nuclear power infrastructure.

He was also the founder-Chairman of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and under his leadership, 18 nuclear power units were developed.


Basic Facts


  • Name – Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan.
  • Born – January 5, 1930 (Bangalore).
  • Key Positions Held – 
    • Principal Project Engineer for India's first atomic power station.
    • Chief Project Engineer of the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS, 1967).
    • Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division, DAE (1974)
    • Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board (1984)
    • Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission & Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (1987)
    • Founder-chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL, 1987).
  • Awards/Honours – 
    • Padma Shri (1984)
    • Padma Bhushan (1990)
    • Padma Vibhushan (2015)
  • Books –  
    • From Fission to Fusion: The Story of India’s Atomic Energy Programme


M.R. Srinivasan was instrumental in advancing India's nuclear capabilities. 

He played a pivotal role in developing the Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) and spearheading the nation's indigenous nuclear energy program.

His distinguished career began working alongside the legendary Dr. Homi Bhabha, widely recognized as the Father of the Indian nuclear program, on the construction of Apsara, India's first nuclear research reactor.

Beyond his contributions within India, Srinivasan also served internationally as a senior advisor at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna from 1990 to 1992.

Domestically, he held significant government positions, including a membership on the Planning Commission, Government of India, from 1996 to 1998, where he oversaw the crucial portfolios of Energy, and Science & Technology. 

He was also a Member of India's National Security Advisory Board from 2002 to 2004 and again from 2006. Furthermore, he chaired the Task Force on Higher Education in Karnataka from 2002 to 2004.

Srinivasan's influence extended to professional organizations as well. 

He was a Founder Member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Engineers (India), and an Emeritus Fellow of the Indian Nuclear Society.


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