M. R. Srinivasan, Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineer

M. R. Srinivasan

Born 5 January 1930 · Karnataka — Died 20 May 2025

Led the development of India's Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) nuclear power technology.

Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan was an Indian nuclear scientist and mechanical engineer. He played a key role in the development of India's nuclear power programme and the development of the Pressurized heavy-water reactor (PHWR). He received the Padma Vibhushan award in 2015.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

M. R. Srinivasan helped engineer India's first nuclear reactor, Apsara, which went critical just a year after he joined the Atomic Energy Department in 1955.

The Story

1
In 1955, a fresh PhD graduate from McGill University joined India's atomic quest and helped bring its first nuclear reactor, Apsara, to life by August 1956 — a feat few outside the scientific circle knew shaped India's energy future.
2
🔥 By 1967, M. R. Srinivasan was the Chief Project Engineer at Madras Atomic Power Station, steering India’s initial steps into nuclear power generation amid global tensions and technological challenges.
3🚀 In 1987, Srinivasan founded the Nuclear Power Corporation of India, overseeing 18 nuclear units with seven operational, seven under construction, and four planned, marking a massive leap in India's self-reliant nuclear energy capabilities.
4🌍 Between 1990 and 1992, he served as a senior adviser to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, influencing nuclear safety and policy on a global scale far beyond India’s borders.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In August 1956, India’s first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, went critical with Srinivasan as a young engineer working alongside Homi Bhabha, marking a pivotal moment for the country's atomic energy program.

🖼️

Through the Years

3 photographs from the archives
Dr. M. R. Srinivasan addressing the India Power Awards ceremony in New Delhi (2011).
Dr. M. R. Srinivasan addressing the India Power Awards ceremony in New Delhi (2011).
2011
Dr. M. R. Srinivasan interacting with media on Kudankulam nuclear power in Chennai (2011).
M. R. Srinivasan portrait photograph (2015).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Bangalore, Karnataka
Malur Ramasamy Srinivasan was born as the third of eight siblings in Bangalore, beginning a journey from a large family to nuclear pioneering.
1930
📚
Education
Graduated Mechanical Engineering
Completed bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the engineering college founded by M. Visvesvaraya, now UVCE, Mysore.
1950
📚
Education
PhD in Gas Turbine Technology
Earned a doctorate from McGill University, Canada, specializing in gas turbine technology before switching focus to nuclear energy on return.
1954
⚡
Career
Joined Department of Atomic Energy
Started working with Homi Bhabha on India's first nuclear research reactor, Apsara, which went critical in August 1956.
1955
⚡
Career
Chief Project Engineer at Madras APS
Led the construction of India’s first atomic power station at Madras, pioneering the country's nuclear power ambitions.
1967
⚡
Career
Founded Nuclear Power Corporation
As chairman, created the Nuclear Power Corporation of India and managed 18 nuclear power units across planning, construction, and operation phases.
1987
⚡
Career
Advisor at IAEA Vienna
Served as senior adviser to the International Atomic Energy Agency, influencing nuclear safety and policy on a global scale.
1990
🏅
Award
Received Padma Vibhushan
Awarded India’s second highest civilian honor for his lifetime contributions to nuclear science and engineering.
2015
🕊️
Death
Passed away at age 95
M. R. Srinivasan died, leaving behind a legacy that shaped India's nuclear power landscape for decades.
2025
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Srinivasan was the creator and first chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India in 1987, overseeing 18 nuclear power units that pushed India’s nuclear energy capacity forward dramatically.

02 / 05
👤PERSONAL

He earned his PhD in gas turbine technology in 1954 from McGill University, Canada, before pivoting to nuclear engineering upon returning to India in 1955.

03 / 05
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

From 1990 to 1992, Srinivasan was a senior adviser at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, impacting global nuclear policy beyond India’s borders.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Srinivasan’s leadership in creating the Nuclear Power Corporation of India established a framework that enabled India to advance its nuclear energy infrastructure independently. His guidance through 18 nuclear power units accelerated India’s capacity to generate electricity and assert its technological sovereignty in a geopolitically sensitive field.

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