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Marva Richardt
Weapons Of Peace: A Review of Raj Chengappa's Book on India's Nuclear Journey
India's nuclear program has been shrouded in secrecy and controversy for decades. How did India acquire the capability to build and test nuclear weapons? What were the motivations and challenges behind this quest? Who were the key players and decision-makers involved in this process? These are some of the questions that Raj Chengappa, a veteran journalist and former editor of India Today magazine, attempts to answer in his book Weapons Of Peace: The Secret Story of India's Quest to be a Nuclear Power.
The book, published in 2000, is based on extensive research and interviews with over 200 scientists, politicians, bureaucrats, diplomats, and military officials who were part of India's nuclear journey. Chengappa traces the history of India's nuclear program from its inception in the 1940s under the visionary leadership of Homi Bhabha, to its first peaceful nuclear explosion in 1974 under Indira Gandhi, to its second series of tests in 1998 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also explores the political, strategic, economic, and ethical implications of India's nuclear status for its domestic and international affairs.
The book is divided into four parts: The First Steps, The Long Wait, The Moment of Truth, and The Aftermath. Each part covers a different phase of India's nuclear development and provides a detailed account of the events, personalities, debates, and dilemmas that shaped it. Chengappa also reveals many fascinating anecdotes and insights that shed light on the inner workings of India's nuclear establishment and its interactions with other countries and institutions. For instance, he describes how India secretly acquired plutonium from Canada and heavy water from Norway for its first test; how India's spy agency RAW infiltrated Pakistan's nuclear program and obtained crucial information; how India's scientists devised ingenious ways to overcome technological hurdles and sanctions; how India's political leaders weighed the pros and cons of going nuclear; how India's diplomats negotiated with the US, China, Russia, and other countries to secure India's interests; and how India's military prepared for possible scenarios of nuclear war.
The book is written in a lucid and engaging style that makes it accessible to a wide audience. It is also well-researched and balanced, presenting different perspectives and opinions on various issues related to India's nuclear program. It does not shy away from addressing the criticisms and controversies that have surrounded India's nuclear choices, such as the environmental impact of the tests, the ethical dilemma of developing weapons of mass destruction, the legal status of India's nuclear doctrine, and the role of public opinion and civil society in influencing policy decisions. The book also offers some suggestions and recommendations for improving India's nuclear security and stability in the future.
Weapons Of Peace is a comprehensive and authoritative account of one of the most important chapters in India's modern history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the origins, evolution, and implications of India's nuclear program. It is also a testament to the courage, creativity, and commitment of India's scientists, leaders, and citizens who pursued their vision of making India a strong and respected nation in the world.
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