23/05/2025
A Tribute to Two Stalwarts of Indian Science
I pay my heartfelt tribute to TWO TOWERING FIGURES who have left an indelible mark on India’s SCIENTIFIC JOURNEY — Padma Vibhushan Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, the visionary NUCLEAR SCIENTIST, and Professor Jayant V. Narlikar, the celebrated ASTROPHYSICIST and SCIENCE COMMUNICATOR.
Dr. Srinivasan’s pioneering role in shaping India’s Nuclear Energy Programme — particularly his contributions to the design and development of indigenous NUCLEAR REACTORS — made our Nation Self-reliant in a critical sector.
(Dr. Srinivasan worked alongside Homi Bhabha on the construction of India’s first Nuclear Research Reactor, APSARA, which achieved criticality in August 1956.)
Under his leadership, 18 Nuclear Power Units were developed — Seven of which were Operational, Seven under Construction, and Four in the Planning Stage. But he always wanted a World free of Nuclear Weapons.
His work was a fusion of Scientific Excellence and National Service.
Prof. Jayant Narlikar, with his deep insights into COSMOLOGY and his collaboration with Sir Fred Hoyle, brought Indian science global recognition. His tireless efforts to popularize Science among the masses inspired generations of young minds to look up at the stars with wonder and curiosity. Dr Jayant Narlikar played pivotal role in spreading SCIENTIFIC TEMPER.
Both men lived lives of Purpose, Passion, and INTELLECTUAL INTEGRITY. Their legacy continues to guide us in our pursuit of Knowledge, Progress, and National Pride.
Let us remember them not just with reverence — but with a renewed commitment to the SPIRIT OF INQUIRY and INNOVATION they championed.
