My Memoir in the Making 82nd Chapter (India's Journey into Nuclear Power: The Legacy of Homi J. Bhabha and Lal Bahadur Shastri)

In the quiet town of Trombay, India, a string of mysterious deaths had sent shockwaves through the scientific community. As per one estimate, 684 people from aforesaid institute left for the heavenly abode in just 15 years.? Between 2009 and 2013, eleven nuclear scientists and engineers associated with India's nuclear program had met untimely and unusual deaths. Their stories were etched with intrigue and fuelled by alleged conspiracy.

The first of these enigmatic deaths was that of Lokanathan Mahalingam, a brilliant physicist who had made a significant contribution to India's nuclear research. In 2009, he perished in a car accident that seemed more than just a tragic accident. Whispers began to circulate that Mahalingam had uncovered something he should not have. So, I am sharing the accidental, mysterious, doubtful deaths of nuclear scientists who deserve a rightful place in my memoir. As an octogenarian, I was not aware of this like many others among us.?

Soon after, another scientist, M. Iyer, was found dead in his home on 08th June 2009, reportedly a victim of suicide. But his colleagues were skeptical. Iyer had shown no signs of depression or distress, leading some to speculate that he might have stumbled upon classified information that cost him his life.

Uma Rao, a promising young nuclear engineer, was next on the list of tragic deaths. She succumbed to a sudden illness in April 2011, leaving colleagues baffled. Some wondered if her research had led to a dangerous exposure, while others whispered foul play.

As the deaths continued to mount, a pall of suspicion hung over the scientific community like a dark cloud. Ravi Mule, an expert in nuclear reactor safety, died on 7th April 2009, in a bizarre car accident that raised eyebrows. The circumstances were eerily similar to Mahalingam's death, deepening the sense of unease.

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Conspiracy theories thrived. Some suggested that foreign intelligence agencies were eliminating scientists who posed a threat to their interests. Others believed there was an internal conspiracy to suppress vital information about India's nuclear program.

In the midst of these troubling events, the shadows of the past seemed to resurface. The year was 1966 when India lost two great leaders within a span of thirteen days. First, Lal Bahadur Shastri, the Prime Minister of India, after the second Indo-Pak war (August 5- September 23), while settling the Tashkent Declaration, died the next day on January 10, 1966, under mysterious circumstances. After twelve days, on 23rd January, Dr Homi J. Bhabha, known as the "father of the Indian nuclear program," met his end in a plane crash near Mont Blanc in the Alps. Despite the tragedy, official investigations concluded it was an accident. Some scholars believe that the reason for Bhabha’s death could also be the speech he gave on All India Radio that India would become a nuclear power in the next one and half years, which shocked many countries of the world.

In Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death, too, was met with suspicion and speculation. But who could do it? It remained a million-dollar question. Eyebrows were raised on world powers. So, rumours began to circulate, suggesting a sinister connection between these historical events and the recent string of scientists’ deaths. Whispers continued hinting at foreign involvement, espionage, and a tangled web of conspiracies.

But amidst the darkness of conspiracy, there was one undeniable truth: the evidence remained elusive. Investigations into these deaths yielded no concrete proof of foul play or conspiratorial plots. The mystery endured, casting a long shadow over India's scientific and political history. The stories of these scientists and leaders, marked by mystery and speculation, continued to captivate the imaginations of those who sought to uncover the truth.

In the vast tapestry of India's history, there exists a complex and multifaceted story that spans several decades—a story of scientific exploration, technological advancement, and geopolitical intrigue. At the heart of this narrative are two remarkable individuals, Homi J. Bhabha and Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose contributions played a pivotal role in shaping India's nuclear program. Here I have tried to explore the disappearance of these two visionary leaders.

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The Dawn of Nuclear Aspirations

The history of nuclear power in India finds its roots in the pre-independence era. Long before India gained its hard-fought independence in 1947, the country's scientific community had already begun to explore the possibilities of nuclear research. Homi J. Bhabha, often referred to as the father of India's nuclear program, emerged as a key figure during this time. Born in Bombay in 1909, Bhabha was the youngest of six children in a privileged Parsi family. His journey into the world of nuclear physics began when he left India in 1929 to study mechanical engineering at the University of Cambridge in England. However, Bhabha's interests quickly shifted toward physics, and after completing his engineering degree, he pursued mathematics and theoretical physics at the Cavendish Laboratory.

Upon earning his doctorate in nuclear physics from the University of London, Bhabha returned to India in 1939. It was then that he founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai in 1945. This institution would become the epicentre of India's nuclear research program. Bhabha was a tireless advocate for the peaceful use of nuclear energy in India, and his vision laid the groundwork for nuclear research in the country.

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The Birth of India's Atomic Ambitions

With India's independence in 1947 came a renewed focus on building the nation's own nuclear capabilities. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, recognized the strategic importance of nuclear technology in securing the country's future. In 1948, the Atomic Energy Act was passed, establishing the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and entrusting it with the responsibility of promoting nuclear research and development.

Under the leadership of Homi J. Bhabha, the AEC achieved significant milestones. In 1956, India's first nuclear reactor, the Apsara research reactor, became operational. It was a momentous achievement, and Bhabha's vision was gradually taking shape. This reactor was powered by enriched uranium and marked India's first substantial step towards harnessing nuclear energy.

After Nehru, the reigns of the nation came into the hands of? Lal Bahadur Shastri. Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1904, Shastri's life was a testament to resilience and determination. Despite a challenging upbringing marked by poverty, he pursued education through self-study and eventually became deeply involved in India's struggle for independence. This way, on the national scene the dynamic duo of Lal Bahadur Shastri (Prime minister) and Homi Bhabha (an emerging ambitious scientist) dreamt of making India the world’s top nuclear power. The path of Homi J. Bhabha and Lal Bahadur Shastri had already converged in the early 1950s when Shastri, as the Minister of Railways and Transport, laid the foundation of the Atomic Energy Establishment Trombay. This facility later evolved into the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), a cornerstone of India's nuclear endeavours.

These two visionaries complemented each other perfectly. Bhabha, with his profound scientific acumen, was the architect of India's nuclear program. His pioneering work paved the way for India to become a major player in the global nuclear industry. In contrast, Shastri's journey was one of political activism and leadership. He became a member of the first cabinet of independent India, serving as the Minister of Police and Transport. Shastri's tenacity and dedication to India's nuclear program were evident as he laid the foundation for a future intertwined with nuclear power.

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The Nuclear Balancing Act

As India's nuclear program continued to advance, so did the complexity of its strategic landscape. The geopolitical dynamics of the Cold War era had a profound impact on India's nuclear ambitions. The perceived threats from neighbouring countries, particularly China and Pakistan, fuelled India's determination to develop a credible nuclear deterrent.

In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, at Pokhran, code name "Smiling Buddha." This historic event, under the leadership of Indira Gandhi, marked India's entry into the exclusive club of nuclear-armed nations. However, India's nuclear policy remained rooted in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the pursuit of energy security. The credit for this vision goes to Lal Bahadur Shastri and Homi J. Bhabha.

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Mysterious Shadows: The Deaths of Bhabha and Shastri

Tragically, both Homi J. Bhabha and Lal Bahadur Shastri met untimely and enigmatic ends. In January 1966, Bhabha was flying to Vienna for a conference when his Air India Flight 101 crashed near Mont Blanc, France. The cause of the crash remains a subject of speculation and conspiracy theories, with some suggesting foreign involvement or disputes related to nuclear testing with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Lal Bahadur Shastri's death in January 1966, too, remains shrouded in mystery. He passed away in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, shortly after signing the Tashkent Agreement with Pakistani President Ayub Khan to end the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. While officially attributed to a heart attack, suspicions of foul play persist. Conspiracy theories continue to float, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding his death.

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Legacy and Controversy

The legacies of Homi J. Bhabha and Lal Bahadur Shastri in India's nuclear program are indelible. Their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to India's progress in nuclear technology have left an enduring mark on the nation.

However, their achievements have not been without controversy. Conspiracy theories persist, alleging covert agendas and hidden motives. While it is essential to approach such claims with skepticism and a critical eye, it is equally crucial to acknowledge the undeniable contributions of these two remarkable individuals to India's nuclear journey.

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India's Nuclear Horizon

Today, India stands as a significant player in the global nuclear community. Its journey into the field of nuclear power, guided by the pioneering efforts of Homi J. Bhabha and Lal Bahadur Shastri, continues to shape the nation's energy security and strategic policies.

India's nuclear program has evolved, facing challenges and criticisms along the way. Yet, it remains steadfast in its commitment to peaceful nuclear use, energy sufficiency, and technological advancements. The legacies of Bhabha and Shastri serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations of scientists and policymakers who continue to shape India's nuclear future.

In the grand tapestry of India's history, the chapters of Homi J. Bhabha and Lal Bahadur Shastri are etched in indelible ink. Their contributions and the complexities of their era have left a lasting imprint on India's nuclear narrative—a narrative of scientific pursuit, technological prowess, and the pursuit of a brighter and more secure future through the power of the atom.

The basic issue of the unexplained deaths of Indian nuclear scientists, allegedly by suicides, accidents, unexplained reasons, etc. will continue to haunt the nation, including the air crash of Homi Bhabha and the untimely death of Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Prime Minister of India.? Prior to his sudden death, after the sudden infiltration of Pakistan’s army crossing the Indian border in Rajasthan, India not only retaliated but also captured a large part of Pakistan's territory in the Lahore Sector.?

The country in the mid-sixties was in a very precarious situation. On one hand, there were military challenges from China and Pakistan, and on the other famine due to food shortage was looming over the country. India was then dependent on American red wheat imported under the PL480 pact. In the late sixties immediately after the Pak war, Lal Bahadur Shastri started visiting the universities to awaken the youth to join the armed services for national security and scientists to develop technologies for converting India into a food-surplus nation. At Panjab University Chandigarh when he addressed the students on the premises of our hostel I was there in the gathering as a witness to his new slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”. He asked us to speak with a full voice and we did. So, now as an octogenarian, I write as a witness to all that I have experienced in life.