AT 62, THE AFFABLE CHAIRman of the Atomic Energy Commission can claim to be among the few scientists involved in all six of India's nuclear tests. Despite managing one of India's largest scientific establishments, he finds time to do experimental physics and is an internationally known crystal-lographer. He built a strong high pressure physics group that was involved in designing the configuration of the various devices. His pet theme is synergy between various Indian scientific agencies, and cites as the perfect example the joining of forces with the defence establishment for the nuclear tests. His favourite saying: "The greatest advantage of recognised strength is that you don't have to use it."

THE SOFT-SPOKEN SCIENTIFIC adviser to the defence minister is a key player in Indian R&D. He headed the project team on the SLV3, India's first satellite launcher, that pushed India into the exclusive club of space powers. He then spearheaded the country's missile programme, bringing Agni and Prithvi to successful fruition. Kalam's success lies in transforming ordinary institutions into outstanding teams that deliver. Now 66 years old and chief of India's sprawling Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), he was the driving force behind the project to weaponise the country's nuclear capability. Favourite quote: "We now have the capability of vacating nuclear threats."

BEHIND THAT SHY EXTERIOR is a man of extraordinary competence in his field. The taciturn Kakodkar, 55, is director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, which played a lead role in the nuclear tests. A brilliant engineer, he had a key role to play in designing and constructing the Dhruva reactor where much of India's weapon grade plutonium is extracted. He was also part of India's first bomb team in 1974. He is now involved in designing India's most advanced heavy water reactor that is likely to lead the way for India's civilian nuclear power reactors. What drives him? "To do something which I have not done earlier and also something that others have not."

ON SANTY, AS HE IS CALLED, lay the onerous task of getting two heavy duty scientific organisa-tions-the DAE and the DRDO-to synergise their efforts for making India a nuclear weapons state. Being a former atomic energy scientist specialising in reactor hazards evaluation helped. Now 61, he spent many years tracking China and Pakistan's nuclear programme and assisting the External Affairs Ministry in policy making. He came to DRDO in 1986 and enhanced India's electronic warfare and war gaming capabilities. In 1988, he was also asked to coordinate the effort to weaponise India's nuclear capability. Has a great sense of humour. Favourite Pokhran joke: Net-ton ke peechhe kya hai?

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