Indian nuclear scientist Home Sethna dead

MUMBAI - Renowned nuclear technocrat and scientist Homi N. Sethna died at his home here late Sunday, official sources said Monday.

A former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, Sethna was 86. He is survived by a daughter and a son.

Sethna, ailing for some time, breathed his last at his Malabar Hill residence. His funeral will take place Tuesday at the Doongerwadi Tower of Silence.

A nuclear scientist and chemical engineer, Sethna is credited with setting up the country’s first plutonium plant at Trombay over 50 years ago.

After serving in various capacities, including as the guiding force behind India’s first nuclear test in May 1974, he retired as the AEC chairman in 1984.

Decorated with the second highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, Sethna later served the corporate world as director with several companies including the Tata Group.