Dr. P.R. Roy, a distinguished metallurgist and scientist, served as a director at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Maharashtra. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian metallurgist to handle plutonium, playing a crucial role in India’s nuclear program.
- Plutonium Metallurgy:
As a leading metallurgist, Dr. Roy worked on the processing and handling of plutonium, a key material for nuclear weapons and reactors.
His expertise in nuclear metallurgy was instrumental in shaping India’s capability in handling fissile materials.
- Role in India’s First Nuclear Test (Pokhran-1974):
He was a key scientist in “Smiling Buddha”, India’s first successful nuclear implosion test conducted on 18 May 1974 at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
His work contributed to the plutonium core development and the metallurgy of nuclear weapon components.
- Advancing India’s Nuclear Research:
His contributions were significant in nuclear material science, which later helped in the development of India’s civilian and defense nuclear programs.
Dr. P.R. Roy’s pioneering work in nuclear metallurgy and plutonium handling laid the foundation for India’s nuclear self-reliance, influencing further nuclear advancements, including the Pokhran-II tests in 1998.
