First Pokhra Nuclear Explosion

The device was formally called the “Peaceful Nuclear Explosive”, but it was usually referred to as the Smiling Buddha. The device was detonated on 18 May 1974, Buddha Jayanti  (a festival day in India marking the birth of Gautama Buddha). Prime Minister Indira Gandhi maintained tight control of all aspects of the preparations of the Smiling Buddha test, which was conducted in extreme secrecy; besides Gandhi, only advisers Parmeshwar Haksar and Durga Dhar were kept informed. Scholar Raj Chengappa asserts the Indian Defence Minisrer Jagjivan Ram was not provided with any knowledge of this test and came to learn of it only after it was conducted. Swaran Singh, the Minister of External Affairs, was given only a 48 hours advance notice. The Indira Gandhi administration employed no more than 75 civilian scientists, while General GG Bewoor, Indian Army Chief, and the commander of Indian Western Command were the only military commanders kept informed.

The device was of the implosion-type design and had a close resemblance to ‘Fat Man’, the American nuclear bomb detonated over Nagasaki in 1945.

The fully assembled device had a hexagonal cross section, 1.25 metres in diameter, and weighed 1400 kg. The device was mounted on a hexagonal metal tripod, and was transported to the shaft on rails which the army kept covered with sand.^[2] The device was detonated when Pranab R. Dastidar pushed the firing button at 8.05 a.m.; it was in a shaft 107 m under the army Pokhran test range in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan.

My Chacha Ji’s son in law and my favorite  Raghbir Singh was deputed to work as a liaison officer  between the Army and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. 

Here are some historical and memorable pics:

Tall and handsome Raghbir Singh with Prime minister Indra Gandhi

Unfortunately Col Raghbir Singh is no more today but his fond memories, loving and respectful nature still live with us. About a decade back he and my cousin sister Manjit (aka Toli) hosted us to a beautiful and warm dinner in the Army Club at Chandigarh. At that time I had seen these memorable pictures displayed prominently in his living room. These memorable pictures had cast an imprint of proud on my mind. How such a close relation of mine was one of the few responsible persons in the country who had changed the nuclear scenario in the Indian Sub continent.

I had requested my niece Preeti Sood to get hold of these pictures and send them to me. So finally she happened to reach her home in Chandigarh and remembered to mail them to me.

This was such a proud moment for the whole family. All our following generations will remember it with our head high and a flattering smile.