N Srinivasan - A man of simplicity

CHENNAI:  Eminent scientist N Srinivasan’s name commands respect in the nuclear energy circle of India. As the first project director of Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR), he helped develop a method of reprocessing used nuclear fuel. He has also helped India become self-sufficient in producing heavy water, which is vital for nuclear power plants.In an event held to honour Srinivasan with the Department of Atomic Energy’s lifetime achievement award, Director of Indian Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IIMSc) Prof R Balasubramanian said, “It is an honour for us that he is here.” As Srinivasan was unable to collect the award from the Prime Minister, a special function was held for him.Srinivasan’s colleagues were present, and reminisced about working with him. One of them, who worked with him on the nuclear fuel project said, “He will not hesitate to work with his own hands. A hard worker, there have been times when he has worked up till 3 am and then returned to office by 7 am.” SC Chetal, Director of IGCAR, spoke about the challenges he is facing in continuing the work that Srinivasan had so successfully started. “He has a unique style of project management. He envisioned almost all the current projects we are working on at IGCAR. He will always be a source of inspiration to us,” he said.Former Chairman of the Heavy Water Board, Surendar Sharma, calls him a “manager par excellence”. Srinivasan was the Chief Executive of the Board, and made the production of heavy water a routine in India. The country is now an exporter of heavy water. It is used as a moderator in nuclear plants, to slow down nuclear reactions.Describing Srinivasan as a very simple, very unassuming and humane person, Sharma adds, “He has a vast intellect, quick grasp of concepts and excellent decision making skills. Srinivasan’s project execution was always superb.”Asked for comments, Srinivasan says, “When I joined the Atomic Energy Commission 60 years ago, little did I think that I would be so lucky in my career. Not only in the projects I worked on, but also the teams I had were excellent in every branch. They made life and work interesting and easy. I was young, the field was new and I did not know what I was getting into. The culture when I joined was to give newcomers the opportunity to give their best.”