In March 2006, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, visited India to finalize the landmark civil nuclear deal between the two countries. But far from the hum of expectations, the US negotiating team was hard at work in South Block—making every possible attempt to alleviate the concerns raised by Anil Kakodkar, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Kakodkar’s firmness paid off and the US team conceded to the demands made in the interest of India’s strategic autonomy. Little wonder then that when Kakodkar was introduced to President Bush, he asked, ‘So you are that Kakodkar? Are you happy?’
It is this courage of conviction and firm resolve that has defined the remarkable life and times of Anil Kakodkar, one of India’s most respected nuclear scientists. Fire and Fury is a recollection of his profound journey—from humble beginnings in Madhya Pradesh to the highest office of the Chairman, AEC—through different events and watershed moments in the country’s atomic energy programme over the past forty-five years.
It chronicles the many inflection points of the programme as seen through the eyes of one of the chief architects of that journey.
About the Author
Anil Kakodkar spent his entire professional career developing reactor systems for India’s nuclear programme as well as resolving issues to remove constraints in its progress. There is hardly any aspect of the Indian nuclear programme that has not seen the impact of his contribution. He was Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, during the years 2000-2009. Before this, he also led Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) as its Director during the years 1996-2000. He has been connected with a large number of institutions in the domains of education and research, energy, rural development and others, either as Chairman or as member of their governing bodies. Kakodkar has been widely recognized by numerous awards for his stellar contributions, including the three Padma Awards—Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. (Website: www.anilkakodkar.in)
Dr Suresh Gangotra is Senior Technical Advisor to Chairman, AEC, and Secretary, DAE. He began his career in BARC as a metallurgist in nuclear fuel cycle facilities. Later he obtained his doctorate in strategic studies with specialization in nuclear security and safeguards. This is his first book.
(Website: www.sureshgangotra.com)
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