Current Affairs - Obituary

Dr. M.R. Srinivasan was a key architect of India’s nuclear energy programme and served as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission. He passed away in Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu, at the age of 95. Over his career, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of 18 nuclear power units in India. His contributions were nationally recognized with several civilian honours, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. Dr. Srinivasan’s legacy is instrumental in shaping India's peaceful nuclear capabilities and energy independence.

Dr. K. Kasturirangan served as the Chairman of ISRO from 1994 to 2003, during which he played a pivotal role in transforming India's space program from an experimental phase to a fully operational one. His leadership saw advancements in earth observation, communication satellites, and launch services. Additionally, his initiatives like commercializing space and introducing thematic space missions such as EDUSAT for tele-education and Chandrayaan-1 for lunar exploration had a significant impact on India’s technological and societal growth.

Boris Spassky was a Russian chess grandmaster, born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Soviet Union. He became an International Grandmaster in 1955 and went on to become the 10th World Chess Champion in 1969. Although he later moved to France and represented the country in several chess tournaments, his origins and early career were rooted in Russia. Sadly, Spassky passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by International Chess Federation (FIDE) general director Emil Sutovsky. His demise marks the end of an era in the chess world, where he left an indelible mark with his strategic brilliance, sportsmanship, and deep understanding of the game.

Shri Anil Joshi was a prominent poet and essayist from Gujarat, India. He made significant contributions to Indian literature with his works, including "Kadach," "Barafna Pankhi," and "Pavan Ni Vyaspithe." Joshi received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990 for his essay collection "Statue." He also served as the chief advisor for the Gujarati language development project at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. He passed away on February 26, 2025, in Mumbai, leaving behind a lasting impact on Indian literary circles.

Dr. K.M. Cherian, a pioneering cardiac surgeon, passed away on January 25, 2025, in Bengaluru. He was celebrated for performing India’s first coronary bypass and heart-lung transplant. He also founded the Frontier Lifeline Hospital and Frontier Mediville, which were dedicated to advanced cardiac research and treatment. His contributions to the medical field were immense, and his autobiography, Just an Instrument, was released shortly before his passing, providing a glimpse into his extraordinary life and career.