| Great Scientists |
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| Biographies of Great Indians & Hindus |
HOMI BHABHA |
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| Towards
Deeper Study of Atomic Energy India got independence on August 15, 1947. Eleven days later, on August 26, 1947, Bhabha addressed the Atomic Energy Research Committee as follows: "We meet today at the beginning of a new chapter in our history. We have great hopes that this new chapter will be a glorious one. The development and use of atomic energy is a question of national importance. We hope to establish soon an Atomic Research Center comparable with those in the most advanced countries." A year later, the Atomic Energy Commission was formed. Bhabha was appointed Chairman of the Commission. The major responsibilities of the Com- mission were: a survey of Indian soil for the materials required for nuclearresearch, the construction of atomic reactors, the purification of atomic materials, conducting fundamental research and the formulation of training program. The Commission utilized the services of scientists at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. The scope of the work of the Commission was enlarged. The Atomic Energy programme took a concrete shape. The Department of Atomic Energy thus came into existence as a separate department of the Government of India in 1954, under the direct control of Prime Minister Nehru. Bhabha became the Ex-officio Secretary of the Department. Shortly after the formation of the Department of Atomic Energy, it was decided to create the Atomic Energy Establishment for application of atomic energy to peaceful purposes. Bhabha became its first Director. The Establish- ment was formally inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on January 20,1957. Thus India began to win new laurels for the study of atomic energy. Bhabha worked ceaselessly and enriched the sphere of science in the country. Through out his directorship, he emphasized indigenous know-how to make the country self-reliant in the nuclear field. J. R. D. Tata and Jawaharlal Nehru gave support and encouragement to Bhabha in his work. Pandit Nehru very much appreciated the efficiency, farsightedness and patriotism of Bhabha. Bhabha was very close to Nehru and enjoyed his confidence. As a result, Bhabha got considerable freedom to carry on his work with ease and efficiency. Bhabha framed administrative rules to suit the tempo, of scientific activity. He helped to get rid of lethargy and red-tapism which were obstacles to the progress of science. One of Bhabha's achievements was that he persuaded the Government to take greater interest in technology. |
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