The Man Behind the Smiling Buddha – Physicist Raja Ramanna

After Homi Bhabha’s death, physicist Raja Ramanna took over the onus of nuclear testing in India. Born on January 28, 1925, this scientist was the man behind the Smiling Buddha – India’s first successful nuclear test at Pokharan in 1974.

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The end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s marked a milestone for India’s security and strategic affairs. >The ability to develop and manufacture nuclear weapons has been considered a parameter to measure power in the international community, and India had just joined the club. Raja Ramanna was the distinguished physicist who was responsible for supervising and leading *Smiling Buddha* – code for India’s first (successful) nuclear test carried out at Pokharan, Rajasthan in 1974. Ramanna was born on January 28, 1925, in the princely state of Mysore. Although he was inclined towards music and literature during his early years, Ramanna had an undeniable affinity towards physics and ended up graduating in the subject. He also held a degree in music theory. Ramanna pursued a doctorate in Nuclear Physics from Britain, at Kings’ College, London, after which he gained considerable experience working for the Atomic Energy Research Establishment in the UK itself. When he returned to India, he worked under Nehru and Homi J. Bhabha’s pet project – the development of the Indian nuclear programme. Unfortunately, Homi Bhabha passed away in an air crash, leaving the onerous task of developing nuclear weapons onto Raja Ramanna. Under Ramanna’s guidance, the Indian team of scientists successfully carried out the first nuclear test in Pokharan in 1974 and developed India’s first operational nuclear device under Indira Gandhi’s government. This feat made global headlines, and Ramanna received fame and appreciation from all over the world. All publicity is good publicity, or is it? Ramanna was approached by the Iraqi dictator to help him develop nuclear weapons for his state. >Scared to death by the request made by the murderous dictator, Ramanna was grateful he was able to return to India from Iraq without any harm. Although Raja Ramanna worked extensively for the development of India’s nuclear programme with the Indian military, he started advocating against nuclear proliferation in the latter half of his career. >He also advocated for peace between India and Pakistan by disabling any attempts towards nuclear escalation. Apart from his physicist talents, Ramanna was also greatly appreciated for his musical skills. After being decorated with the Padma Vibhushan for his efforts, he died at his Bombay residence in 2004.

The end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s marked a milestone for India’s security and strategic affairs.

The ability to develop and manufacture nuclear weapons has been considered a parameter to measure power in the international community, and India had just joined the club.

Raja Ramanna was the distinguished physicist who was responsible for supervising and leading Smiling Buddha – code for India’s first (successful) nuclear test carried out at Pokharan, Rajasthan in 1974.

Ramanna was born on January 28, 1925, in the princely state of Mysore. Although he was inclined towards music and literature during his early years, Ramanna had an undeniable affinity towards physics and ended up graduating in the subject. He also held a degree in music theory.

Ramanna pursued a doctorate in Nuclear Physics from Britain, at Kings’ College, London, after which he gained considerable experience working for the Atomic Energy Research Establishment in the UK itself.

When he returned to India, he worked under Nehru and Homi J. Bhabha’s pet project – the development of the Indian nuclear programme. Unfortunately, Homi Bhabha passed away in an air crash, leaving the onerous task of developing nuclear weapons onto Raja Ramanna.

Under Ramanna’s guidance, the Indian team of scientists successfully carried out the first nuclear test in Pokharan in 1974 and developed India’s first operational nuclear device under Indira Gandhi’s government. This feat made global headlines, and Ramanna received fame and appreciation from all over the world.

All publicity is good publicity, or is it? Ramanna was approached by the Iraqi dictator to help him develop nuclear weapons for his state.

Scared to death by the request made by the murderous dictator, Ramanna was grateful he was able to return to India from Iraq without any harm.

Although Raja Ramanna worked extensively for the development of India’s nuclear programme with the Indian military, he started advocating against nuclear proliferation in the latter half of his career.

He also advocated for peace between India and Pakistan by disabling any attempts towards nuclear escalation.

Apart from his physicist talents, Ramanna was also greatly appreciated for his musical skills. After being decorated with the Padma Vibhushan for his efforts, he died at his Bombay residence in 2004.