Homi J. Bhabha was the principal architect of India’s nuclear programme and the founding director of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Born in 1909 in Mumbai, Bhabha was a pioneering physicist who laid the foundation for India’s atomic energy development. He later became the first Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, shaping the country’s long-term scientific infrastructure.
Among his most cited observations is:
“No power is as costly as no power.”
This statement reflects Bhabha’s strategic understanding of energy security. He recognised that a developing nation cannot progress without reliable power resources. For him, the cost of not investing in energy — particularly atomic energy — was far greater than the financial expense of building capacity.
Bhabha’s vision positioned nuclear energy as a tool for national development rather than mere strategic prestige. His words continue to resonate in policy discussions, emphasising that sustainable energy access is central to economic growth, technological advancement, and national self-reliance.
