Who was the first Chairman of Indian Atomic Energy Commission?
VerifiedAnswer: Dr. Homi J Bhabha
Explanation:
Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha was indeed the first Chairman of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission, serving from its establishment in 1948 until his untimely death in 1966. Known as the "Father of Indian Nuclear Programme," he laid the foundation for India's atomic energy development and nuclear research capabilities.
Born on October 30, 1909, in Mumbai, Dr. Bhabha was a brilliant physicist who completed his education at Cambridge University. He returned to India in 1939 and established the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1945, which became the cornerstone of nuclear research in India. His vision was to make India self-reliant in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
The Atomic Energy Commission was established on August 10, 1948, under the Department of Scientific Research, with Dr. Bhabha as its first Chairman. This commission was responsible for the development of nuclear energy and the use of atomic minerals in India. Under his leadership, India's first nuclear reactor, Apsara, went critical in 1956 at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
Dr. Bhabha's contributions to India's nuclear program were immense. He formulated India's three-stage nuclear power program, which aimed to utilize the country's vast thorium reserves. He also played a crucial role in establishing various atomic research centers across India and promoted the peaceful use of atomic energy for power generation, medical applications, and scientific research.
His leadership extended beyond just administrative duties. Dr. Bhabha was instrumental in training a generation of nuclear scientists and engineers in India. He also represented India at various international atomic energy conferences and helped establish India's position in the global nuclear community. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, originally called the Atomic Energy Establishment Trombay, was renamed in his honor after his death in an air crash in 1966 near Mont Blanc, Switzerland.
