Also Read Scientist Raja Ramanna no more

Conveying his condolences to the bereaved family, Singh said Ramanna's contribution to the development of India's nuclear capabilities and the consolidation of its nuclear programme would be remembered for a long time to come.

Observing that Ramanna was associated with India's nuclear programme at a critical stage of its development and contributed to placing the country's indigenous nuclear capabilities on a firm footing, Singh noted that India's first nuclear explosion was conducted in 1974 during Ramanna's tenure as director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.

The prime minister said Ramanna made his mark as a distinguished member of the Rajya Sabha. He served as minister
of state for defence and was a member of the first National Security Advisory Board.

Ramanna was also an accomplished pianist and a man of letters. His loss would be deeply felt by the scientific community worldwide and the people of India, the prime minister said.