Chennai, May 20 (Reporter) Doyen of Indian Nuclear programme and eminent scientist MR Srinivasan passed away on Tuesday. Mr Srinivasan, who is also the former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman breathed his last at Udhagamandalam in the Nilgiris district. He was 95. He is survived by his wife and daughter. A statement issued by his family said “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr MR Srinivasan, former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)”. Dr Srinivasan, who was honoured with India's second highest civilian onour Padma Vibushan, had worked closely with Dr Homi J Baba, who was hailed as the father of India’s nuclear programme and was instrumental in developing the country’s first nuclear research reactor, Apsara that attained cricicality wayback in 1956. He had played a crucial role in shaping up the country's atomic power programme and was instrumental in setting up the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) at Kalpakkam, about 70 km from here, which houses IGCAR and India's First Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) was under the final stages of construction and poised to attain criticality soon. Over the decades, Dr Srinivasa's visionary leadership played a key role in setting up 18 nuclear power units, driving India's energy self-reliance. Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi and Chief Minister M K Stalin condoled his death and termed him as a pillar of India's atomic energy programme. In a post on X, the Governor said MR Srinivasan was a legendary architect of India’s nuclear energy programme and a Padma Vibhushan recipient. “His visionary leadership and scientific acumen were central to building the nation’s self-reliance in atomic energy… he shaped institutions, policies and projects that continue to power India’s progress.” Condoling his death, Mr Stalin said Srinivasan was ‘a pillar of India’s atomic energy programme. “He began his journey with Dr Homi J Baba, the father of India’s nuclear programme, building our first reactor", Mr STalin wrote on X. "Over decades, he led the creation of 18 nuclear power units, driving energy self-reliance. A true nation builder. My deepest condolences,” the Chief Minister said...////...