Homi Bhabha Biography

The man who pioneered the Indian nuclear research programme, Homi Jahangir Bhabha was a nuclear physicist who laid the foundation for nuclear research in India. Often hailed as the “father of Indian nuclear programme’, Bhabha was not only a scientist, but also a visionary and an institution builder. From childhood, he was an intelligent and hard working student and his parents dreamed of him becoming a mechanical engineer. However, young Bhabha’s interest laid in studying physics and not in becoming an engineer. Yet he honored his parents’ wish and completed his degree in mechanical engineering. His parents too respected their son’s true interest and supported him in his pursuit of scientific research. Bhabha studied in Europe where he became acquainted with many great physicists of his time, and was determined to contribute to India’s scientific research upon his return. He had very ambitious plans and upon returning to his home country, he set about establishing the Cosmic Ray Research Unit. He helped to formulate India’s strategy in the field of nuclear power for which he is fondly remembered as the father of Indian nuclear power. The great scientist’s brilliant career was cut short by a plane crash which claimed his life.