Dr. Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan, fondly known as MR Srinivasan, was a towering figure in India’s scientific journey. He dedicated more than six decades to shaping a self-reliant nuclear energy program for the nation.
His passing on May 20, 2025, at the age of 95 in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Tamil Nadu, marked the end of an era. The country lost one of its finest minds who transformed India’s energy sector. As a pioneering Indian nuclear scientist, MR Srinivasan served as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and became the founding Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). His leadership and vision laid the foundation for India’s nuclear power growth.
This biography reflects on his life—his humble beginnings, his monumental contributions, and the values he stood for. The legacy of MR Srinivasan continues to inspire future generations and guide India’s pursuit of sustainable energy.
Early Life: A Foundation in Learning
Born on January 5, 1930, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, MR Srinivasan was the third of eight siblings in a modest family. Growing up in Mysore, he was steeped in a culture that valued knowledge, studying Sanskrit and English alongside science at the Intermediate College, Mysore. Though drawn to physics, he chose engineering, enrolling at the prestigious University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), founded by Sir M. Visvesvaraya. In 1950, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, later pursuing a Master’s and PhD in Gas Turbine Technology at McGill University, Canada, by 1954.
His early exposure to diverse disciplines shaped his ability to blend technical expertise with a broader vision for societal progress. This foundation fueled his role as an Indian nuclear scientist who bridged engineering and national development.
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Joining the Nuclear Journey: A Lifelong Mission
In September 1955, at age 25, MR Srinivasan joined the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), beginning a remarkable career under the mentorship of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, the father of India’s nuclear program. His first major contribution was to the Apsara reactor, India’s first nuclear research reactor, which achieved criticality in August 1956. This milestone set the tone for his lifelong mission to advance India’s nuclear capabilities.
MR Srinivasan’s roles grew in scope and impact:
- 1959: Appointed Principal Project Engineer for India’s first atomic power station at Tarapur.
- 1967: Became Chief Project Engineer for the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS), now Kalpakkam, a cornerstone of indigenous nuclear technology.
- 1974: Named Director of the Power Projects Engineering Division, accelerating India’s nuclear power expansion.
- 1984: Appointed Chairman of the Nuclear Power Board, overseeing all nuclear projects.
- 1987: Became Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of the DAE, as well as founding Chairman of NPCIL, steering India’s nuclear energy strategy.
Under his leadership, India developed 18 nuclear power units—seven operational, seven under construction, and four in planning—cementing his legacy as a key architect of the nation’s nuclear infrastructure.
His work on Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) was pivotal, making India one of the few nations with this technology, a point often underemphasized in narratives.
Overcoming Challenges: Resilience in Crisis
MR Srinivasan’s tenure wasn’t without hurdles. After India’s 1974 nuclear test, Canada withdrew support for nuclear projects, leaving India isolated. Under his leadership, India doubled down on indigenous technology, successfully navigating sanctions and building self-reliance. His strategic foresight ensured the Madras Atomic Power Station became a symbol of India’s resilience.
He also pioneered public engagement, organizing India’s first nuclear safety debate in Bengaluru in the 1980s, demystifying nuclear energy for the masses. This humanized his scientific legacy, addressing a content gap about his role as a communicator.
Global and National Influence: Beyond the Lab
Srinivasan’s impact extended far beyond reactors:
- 1990–1992: Served as Senior Advisor to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, shaping global nuclear policies.
- 1996–1998: Member of India’s Planning Commission, handling Energy and Science & Technology portfolios.
- 2002–2004, 2006–2008: Served on the National Security Advisory Board, contributing to strategic policy.
- 2002–2004: Chaired Karnataka’s Task Force on Higher Education, advocating for educational reform.
As a founding member of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), he influenced global nuclear safety standards.
His IAEA role positioned India as a responsible nuclear power, countering Western skepticism post-1974, a diplomatic win rarely highlighted.
Literary Legacy: Chronicling India’s Nuclear Journey
Srinivasan wasn’t just a scientist—he was a storyteller. His book, From Fission to Fusion: The Story of India’s Atomic Energy Programme, is a seminal work detailing India’s nuclear evolution. It’s a must-read for understanding the challenges and triumphs of building a self-reliant energy sector.
Awards and Honors: A Life Celebrated
Srinivasan’s contributions earned him widespread recognition:
- 1984: Padma Shri for early contributions to nuclear science.
- 1990: Padma Bhushan for advancing India’s nuclear program.
- 2015: Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor.
- Homi Bhabha Gold Medal and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Science Congress.
- Named in the Asian Scientist 100 list in 2016 for regional impact.
His 2015 re-induction into the Atomic Energy Commission at age 95 showcased his enduring commitment, a testament to his vitality often missing in accounts.
Personal Life: A Quiet Strength
Srinivasan was survived by his wife, Geetha, and daughter, Sharada, who noted his peaceful passing in Ooty after a brief illness. His son, Raghuvir, also carried forward his legacy. Despite his towering achievements, Srinivasan remained grounded, living between Delhi, Bengaluru, and Ooty, where his wife led an eco-watch movement.
Legacy: Powering India’s Future
MR Srinivasan’s work laid the foundation for India’s nuclear energy, contributing 3% to the nation’s electricity today, with projections of 8.6% by 2032. His leadership in PHWRs and projects like the Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor advanced India’s three-stage nuclear program, leveraging uranium and thorium for long-term energy security.
Tributes poured in from leaders like PM Narendra Modi, who called him a “stalwart” whose work ensured India’s energy self-reliance. His mentorship inspired scientists like Anil Kakodkar, and his legacy endures in NPCIL’s ongoing projects. Globally, he’s compared to pioneers like Enrico Fermi for his blend of science and nation-building.
| Key Aspects of MR Srinivasan’s Life | Details |
| Birth | January 5, 1930, Bengaluru |
| Key Roles | Chairman of AEC, NPCIL Founder |
| Major Contribution | 18 nuclear power units, PHWR development |
| Awards | Padma Vibhushan (2015), Padma Bhushan (1990), Padma Shri (1984) |
| Death | May 20, 2025, Ooty |
Frequently Asked Questions About MR Srinivasan
Who was MR Srinivasan?
A pioneering Indian nuclear scientist and mechanical engineer, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and NPCIL founder.
What were his major contributions?
He developed 18 nuclear power units, advanced PHWR technology, and built Apsara, India’s first nuclear research reactor.
What awards did MR Srinivasan receive?
He was honored with the Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (1990), and Padma Vibhushan (2015), among others.
How did he influence India’s nuclear program?
He ensured self-reliance post-1974 sanctions, led NPCIL, and shaped India’s three-stage nuclear strategy.
What was his literary contribution?
His book From Fission to Fusion chronicles India’s nuclear journey, a key resource for scholars.
MR Srinivasan’s life shows how science, vision, and resilience can transform a nation. What part of his story sparks your curiosity? Share below and explore more Indian scientists for deeper insights.
