India Rising
Memoirs of a Scientist
As we celebrate the Independence Day… a rare celebration in the form of a Book titled India Rising…unfolding memoirs of a Scientist none other than Dr Chidambaram has been published…
Dr. Chidambaram is one of the tallest figures, not only in the Department of Atomic Energy but also in Science in India. He has been at the helm of many institutions and organisations including the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. It is indeed welcome that he has penned his journey in the form of this book.
The book covers his long journey, his greatest contribution is in the Peaceful Explosion Experiment tests in 1974, and then the Nuclear tests in 1998. These two landmark events have changed the course of not only the Department of Atomic Energy, but also of the nation
India and particularly the Department of Atomic Energy works closely with International Atomic Energy Agency, with its headquarters at Vienna. Dr. Chidambaram has held the chair of Board of Governors of IAEA. During his tenure he has not only advanced the cause of the Agency, but also taken care of India’s interest. He narrates his experience with additional inputs from Dr. Raghuraman.
He has served as Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India for 17 years. During his tenure, he has initiated many projects. Of particular interest are the national knowledge network, and the Rural Technology Action Group. He is passionate about identification and development of gifted children. The book covers various aspects of science like interdisciplinary aspects of science, importance of basic science, women in science and so on. During his long tenure, he has worked with many prime ministers. There is an interesting account on his interactions with the prime ministers.
He has played a key role in opening up of the nuclear trade with the world. Post 1998, this needed a lot of work, including understanding of the world order and India’s unique position. In the present book Ambassador D.B. Venkatesh Verma has provided a fascinating account of Dr. Chidambaram as a diplomat.
.The book encompasses the journey of science of India since Independence, is a great treasure of information that will serve as motivation to the young children and students, of not only science but also national history.
-Dr Suresh Gangotra
Co-Author, India Rising
