Bhabha

Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909–1966) was an Indian physicist who played a pivotal role in the development of India's nuclear program. He founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai in 1945 and served as the first chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India. His work bridged theoretical physics and science administration, helping to establish institutions and programs that supported basic and applied research.

Born in Bombay to a Parsi family, Bhabha studied physics at the University of Bombay and later at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. His early research spanned cosmic rays and quantum theory, and upon returning to India in the 1940s he focused on building scientific infrastructure and guiding national scientific policy.

As director of TIFR and chairman of the AEC, Bhabha oversaw foundational nuclear research and the development of India’s early nuclear capabilities. Under his leadership, India’s first nuclear reactor, Apsara, began operation in 1956. He articulated a three-stage nuclear power program intended to exploit India’s abundant thorium resources: first, natural uranium reactors; second, fast breeder reactors; and third, thorium-based reactors.

Bhabha died in a plane crash in 1966 while traveling abroad for scientific work. His legacy includes the establishment of major Indian research institutions and a framework for national science policy. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai and other institutions carry his name in recognition of his contributions to Indian science and technology.

In physics, the term Bhabha scattering refers to electron-positron scattering and is named in honor of his early work in quantum electrodynamics. The surname Bhabha remains associated with leadership in Indian science and with advances in nuclear research and policy.