The IIT Bombay community has lost an esteemed leader and visionary, Dr. R. Chidambaram, whose contributions to science and academia have left an indelible mark. A distinguished physicist, he played a pivotal role in shaping India’s scientific landscape and served in several key positions that ensured national defence and energy security. Dr. Chidambaram’s legacy also extends to his remarkable influence on IIT Bombay, where he was instrumental in advancing the Institute’s research initiatives.

The Institute deeply mourns this loss. The following message from Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, reflects our collective sense of grief.

It is with a deep sense of sadness that I convey the news of the departure of Dr. R. Chidambaram.

As an outstanding Physicist and Scientist, Dr. Chidambaram played a stellar role in several national initiatives. Amongst his several distinguished service positions he served in, he was the principal scientific adviser to the Government of India, Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission of the Government of India, during which he contributed to providing national defence and energy security to India. Dr. R Chidambaram also served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during 1994–95.

As an outstanding academician, he was the Chairman Board of Governors of IIT Bombay ( 1994- 1997) and was instrumental in setting up the Centre of Excellence in Nanoelectronics at IIT Bombay.

The Institute deeply mourns his loss. We pray for sadgati to the departed soul and for all strength and fortitude to the kin to bear this loss.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare,
Director, IIT Bombay