Eminent nuclear scientist Sekhar Basu died of Covid-19 at a Kolkata hospital early Thursday, lowering the curtain on a career that saw him championing major research and development programs as a former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), director of Bhabha. Atomic Research Center (BARC) and secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy.
Basu, who turned 68 just three days ago, had been hospitalized on September 15 with low oxygen saturation and kidney complications.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the flood of tributes to the scientist. “I join the Atomic Energy Fraternity in mourning the passing of Dr. Sekhar Basu, a renowned nuclear scientist who played a key role in establishing India as a leading country in nuclear science and engineering,” he tweeted.
Awarded the Padma Shri in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to India’s atomic energy program, Basu had spearheaded the development of the highly complex reactor for the country’s first INS Arihant nuclear powered submarine. He continued to guide the nuclear propulsion program for maritime versions.
Basu was also involved in the design, development, construction and operation of nuclear recycling plants in Tarapur and Kalpakkam, which involves the reprocessing and management of nuclear waste.
Speaking to TOI, former AEC president and veteran nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar said: “Losing it at such a young age is very tragic. He was much younger than all of us (former presidents). He was an entrepreneur, demonstrating his ability to successfully handle large and difficult projects. He did an excellent job on the nuclear submarine reactor and nuclear recycling programs. In fact, the country is doing well in these areas due to their valuable contributions. ”
Born on September 20, 1952, Basu studied at the Ballygunge School of Government in Calcutta and graduated in mechanical engineering from the Veermata Jijabai Institute of Technology in Mumbai in 1974. After completing a year of training in nuclear science and engineering at BARC, joined its reactor engineering division in 1975.
“He was an extremely competent technologist, with the ability to integrate multidisciplinary activities and develop multiple state-of-the-art technology systems. One of the last projects in which he had been very interested was the development of cyclotron technology for the production of medical isotopes, ”said a statement issued by DAE.
After retirement, Basu would relocate between Mumbai and Kolkata to serve as a mentor on various projects. He is survived by his wife, mother and son who lives in New Zealand.
Basu, who turned 68 just three days ago, had been hospitalized on September 15 with low oxygen saturation and kidney complications.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the flood of tributes to the scientist. “I join the Atomic Energy Fraternity in mourning the passing of Dr. Sekhar Basu, a renowned nuclear scientist who played a key role in establishing India as a leading country in nuclear science and engineering,” he tweeted.
Awarded the Padma Shri in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to India’s atomic energy program, Basu had spearheaded the development of the highly complex reactor for the country’s first INS Arihant nuclear powered submarine. He continued to guide the nuclear propulsion program for maritime versions.
Basu was also involved in the design, development, construction and operation of nuclear recycling plants in Tarapur and Kalpakkam, which involves the reprocessing and management of nuclear waste.
Speaking to TOI, former AEC president and veteran nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar said: “Losing it at such a young age is very tragic. He was much younger than all of us (former presidents). He was an entrepreneur, demonstrating his ability to successfully handle large and difficult projects. He did an excellent job on the nuclear submarine reactor and nuclear recycling programs. In fact, the country is doing well in these areas due to their valuable contributions. ”
Born on September 20, 1952, Basu studied at the Ballygunge School of Government in Calcutta and graduated in mechanical engineering from the Veermata Jijabai Institute of Technology in Mumbai in 1974. After completing a year of training in nuclear science and engineering at BARC, joined its reactor engineering division in 1975.
“He was an extremely competent technologist, with the ability to integrate multidisciplinary activities and develop multiple state-of-the-art technology systems. One of the last projects in which he had been very interested was the development of cyclotron technology for the production of medical isotopes, ”said a statement issued by DAE.
After retirement, Basu would relocate between Mumbai and Kolkata to serve as a mentor on various projects. He is survived by his wife, mother and son who lives in New Zealand.
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