Eminent Scientist Malur Ramasam Srinivasan Passes Away at 95

Malur Ramasam Srinivasan, a renowned scientist who played a pivotal role in India's nuclear power program and the development of the indigenous Pressurized Heavy-water Reactor, died on Tuesday at the age of 95. Born in Bangalore on January 5, 1930, Srinivasan joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1955 and began his illustrious career working alongside Homi Bhabha on the country's first nuclear research reactor, Apsara. Over the course of his five-decade-long career, Srinivasan held various prestigious positions, including director of DAE's Power Projects Engineering Division, Nuclear Power Board chairman, Atomic Energy Commission chairman, and DAE secretary.

Key Takeaways:

• Srinivasan was instrumental in the development of India's nuclear power program and the indigenous Pressurized Heavy-water Reactor.
• He began his career working alongside Homi Bhabha on the country's first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, which achieved criticality in 1956.
• Srinivasan held various key positions, including director of DAE's Power Projects Engineering Division, chairman of the Nuclear Power Board, and Atomic Energy Commission chairman.
• He served as a senior advisor at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, from 1990 to 1992, and a member of the Planning Commission from 1996 to 1998.
• Srinivasan was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, and was among the founding members of the World Association of Nuclear Operators.
• He completed a Doctor of Philosophy in 1954 from Canada's McGill University with gas turbine technology as his field of specialisation.
• Srinivasan oversaw the planning, execution, and operation of 18 nuclear power units during his tenure.

Statistics:

• Srinivasan was 95 years old at the time of his death.
• He was born in Bangalore on January 5, 1930.
• He joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in September 1955.
• Srinivasan completed his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1950 from the University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering.
• He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in 1954 from Canada's McGill University.

Sources:

• "Eminent scientist Malur Ramasam Srinivasan dies at 95" by HT Digital Content Services, published in Hindustan Times.
• Photo credit: Hindustan Times.