Homi Bhabha: The father of India's atomic energy program by Alhad Apte

"Homi Bhabha: The father of India's atomic energy program" by Alhad Apte - An easy read for students.

This ebook is published by Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan as study material for their National Talent Search Exam in 2017 and has 84 pages. 

This book introduces us to Dr. Homi  Bhabha, father of India's nuclear program. Homi Bhabha was a multi faceted personality. He was a physicist, mathematician and engineer. He was a sketch artist. He would have become an accomplished painter if he had not become physicist. He used to design stage for plays and he was also good at architecture. He had good knowledge of western classical music and liked Indian classical music as well.

His work as individual scientist, visionary, patriot and driving force behind India's nuclear and space research is unparalleled. Unfortunately Indian kids know more about western scientists than such Indian greats. This book is an attempt to right this wrong. 

Bhabha was interested in' atom for peace' i.e. peaceful use of nuclear energy for electricity production and medical treatments. 

Nuclear program designed by Bhabha had following guiding principles:

1. Development of Thorium based technology. 

2. Adoring closed fuel cycle. 

3. Development of own human resources for becoming seek reliant. 

The book starts with quotes from Dr. Bhabha's letter to his father insisting that he wants to do Physics and not Engineering. The book provides some insights into his vision like: No energy is costlier than 'no energy'. Don't build institutions and look for people, rather chose the person and build institute around him. 

It's amazing to read the latitude of work Bhabha has done and the legacy he has left behind. He has left an indelible mark on the scene of science. C. V. Raman aptly called him 'Modern equivalent of Leonardo da Vinci.

Although it's a moot point, one does not help but imagine where India would have been, scientifically, had he not met untimely accidental death. 

This Book contains old photographs of Bhabha and institutions he left behind. It gives a different quality to the book. Rather than a dry book, it becomes a souvenir. While reading, I had an impression that author was nostalgic while writing this book. The sketches drawn by him, included in the ebook, are of professional quality and amazing.

It's not easy to synthesize the personality in 84 pages. Author has done a good job of trying to cover all the important aspects in this small ebook. Intent of publishing this ebook is very important. 

Although this book introduces us to Bhabha, the personality. There is nothing about Bhabha, the person. His personal life, his family etc. are missing from the book. 

Author is an outstanding scientist and retired as Head of Computer division of BARC and then served as Chief of NTRO.

Why did I read this book? Bhabha and the author. 

What I didn't like? Some repetition.  

What did I like? The personality.

Read if you liked this review. 

Disclosure: I am closely related to the author.