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Journalism of Courage
Self-Reliance (in our nuclear,strategic and scientific programmes) must continue, this was the advise P K Iyengar,former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC),gave to R K Sinha,director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC),just about two weeks ago.
Iyengar,who played a leading role in Indias first peaceful nuclear explosion in Pokhran on May 18,1974,died at the BARC Hospital after a brief period of illness on Wednesday. The 80-year-old nuclear physicist is survived by his wife,son and daughter.
Critical of the India-US nuclear deal,Iyengar had on occasions said that collaborations with other countries must not be allowed to have an impact on Indias independence in carrying out indigenous research and development. Sinha said,While he was admitted to the BARC Hospital earlier this month,the doctors gave me a call on December 2 and told me that he wants to speak to me. Once I reached,he motioned everyone to leave the room and asked the doctor to remove his oxygen mask. He then told me that destiny has brought me to this position (as BARC director) today when the atomic energy programme is at a threshold and there is a lot of international collaboration. He said self-reliance must continue in all our scientific,strategic and nuclear programmes and initiatives.
Calling it a moving experience,Sinha said,The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has been groomed into a culture of self-reliance and it seemed he wanted an assurance that in the backdrop of influx of international collaborations,that self-reliance would not be hurt at all.
It also seemed that he knew he may not recover. He told me I know I dont have much time and I want to tell you what I feel about a few things, he said.
Hours after his death,a BARC release said,In his death,India has lost one of her most distinguished scientists,who left an indelible mark on Indian nuclear science and technology.
A former chairman of AEC,Iyenger was secretary to the DAE (1990-93) and BARC director (1984-1990). He was the recipient of several awards,including Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1971) and Padma Bhushan (1975).
Srikumar Banerjee,AEC chairman,said,My association with him started since I was at the BARC Training School in 1967. I was quite close to him and he was role model for many. As a scientist,his contribution has been outstanding. As AEC chairman,he vigorously pursued the nuclear power programme and two power reactors at Narora and Kakrapara were commissioned during his chairmanship. He was also a key member of the team responsible for the successful peaceful nuclear experiment at Pokhran in 1974.
Srinivas Krishnagopal,Iyengars son,said he had been suffering from a lung infection for the past three weeks and had been in and out of the hospital. He was again admitted to the BARC Hospital on Monday. His condition deteriorated in the last 48 hours, he said.
