Homi N Sethna's demise a great loss to the country: Scientists

Former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman Homi N Sethna's demise is a great loss to the country as he was responsible for steering the nuclear programme after the sudden death of Indian nuclear doyens Homi J Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai, senior atomic scientists said here today.

"It is a great loss to the county as a scientist and a patriot who upheld the honour and integrity of the country at a most crucial period in India's nuclear programme is no more," former AEC chairman MR Srinivasan said.

Sethna was one of the pioneers of India's nuclear programme and became the AEC chairman at a crucial period when the country lost Bhabha and Sarabhai.

It was when India's nuclear manpower and industry was just developing and he played a crucial role during his chairmanship for almost 12 years from 1972, Srinivasan said.

The late scientist had many achievements to his credit including the first scientist to do Plutonium separation and also to make first uranium ingot in the country, he said.

Sethna also had a difficult time with leadership in Delhi and ensuring support and achievements, Srinivasan said, adding his death is a great loss to all of the members of Department of Atomic Energy.

He (Sethna) was a strong, dynamic and dedicated project manager and executor, Srinivasan, who closely worked with him, said.

"Though a tough task master, beneath that tough exterior he was a warm human being and generous person," he said.