The winter chill had begun to fade in New Delhi, but the tension in Rohan Varma's office remained palpable.
On his desk sat an open file stamped Top Secret.
Across from him, Manisha sifted through telegrams from Indian embassies in Washington and Moscow, while Neeraj Kumar, now the government's strategic advisor, leaned against the doorframe with arms crossed.
"You're sure about this, Sir?" Neeraj asked. "Nuclear energy is uncharted territory for us. It's going to cost more money than we can spare and attract attention we might not be ready for."
Rohan looked up, his expression firm. "We don't have a choice. The Soviets detonated their first nuke last year, and the Americans have already dominated this space. If we don't get moving now, we'll be dependent on others for decades. That's not the India I want to see."
Manisha interjected, her voice practical but cautious. "And then there's China. Once their revolution stabilizes, it's only a matter of time before they start exploring nuclear options, especially with Soviet backing. We need to be ahead of that curve."
Rohan nodded. "Exactly. If we can harness nuclear energy not just for defense but for power, medicine, and industry we'll be securing India's future. But we need the right person to lead this effort. Someone with vision, skill, and international credibility."
Neeraj chuckled. "That sounds like a short list."
"It is," Rohan replied. He pushed a single file across the desk. "Dr. Homi Bhabha. He's already running the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bombay. If anyone can get this done, it's him."
Manisha raised an eyebrow as she scanned the file. "Bhabha's brilliant, no doubt about it. But he's also known for being... demanding. Are you sure he'll even agree to something this massive?"
"I'll convince him," Rohan said, standing up. "Get me a meeting with him as soon as possible."
In early March, Rohan traveled to Bombay to meet Dr. Homi Bhabha at his office in the Tata Institute.
The building was modest, but the sharp, methodical energy inside was unmistakable.
Bhabha, dressed in a crisp white shirt and tie, greeted Rohan with a firm handshake.
"I must admit, Mr Prime Minister, I was surprised by your request for this meeting," Bhabha said as they sat down. "You're a busy man, and I gather this isn't a social call."
Rohan smiled. "You're right, Dr. Bhabha. This is about India's future, and I need your help to shape it."
Bhabha raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
"We want to build an atomic energy program," Rohan began. "Not just to catch up with the rest of the world, but to ensure India is self-reliant in this critical area. I want you to lead it set up the infrastructure, train the scientists, and push the research forward."
Bhabha leaned back in his chair, his sharp mind clearly processing the enormity of the request. "Ambitious. But do you realize what you're asking for? This isn't just a scientific challenge; it's a logistical and political one. We'll need funding, access to uranium, international cooperation... And let's not forget, nuclear programs attract scrutiny some of it unwelcome."
"I know," Rohan said firmly. "That's why I'm giving you full authority. You'll have direct access to me and the resources you need. I'll also ensure your security and the program's confidentiality. You'll answer to no one but the Atomic Energy Commission, which you'll chair."
Bhabha's skepticism softened slightly. "And what about international support? We can't do this in isolation, at least not initially."
"I'm already working on that," Rohan replied. "I've opened channels with the Americans. They're wary because of the Cold War, but they're willing to share civilian nuclear technology under their Atoms for Peace initiative. We'll use that as a starting point while building our indigenous capabilities."
Bhabha sat silent for a moment, tapping his pen against the desk.
Finally, he nodded. "All right. If we're going to do this, we'll do it right. But I'll need assurances real funding, not promises, and the brightest minds India has to offer."
"You'll have them," Rohan said, extending his hand. "Welcome aboard, Dr. Bhabha."
Within weeks, the Atomic Energy Establishment was formally announced, with Dr. Bhabha at the helm.
The facility was set up in Trombay, near Bombay, where construction began on research labs and reactors.
The urgency of the project was evident in every aspect, from the hiring of young Indian scientists to the procurement of equipment from abroad.
One afternoon, during a site visit to Trombay, Rohan walked through the dusty grounds with Bhabha and Neeraj.
"This is going to take years to fully materialize," Bhabha said, gesturing to the half-finished buildings. "But if we're strategic, we can start smaller projects within a year maybe even build our first reactor for research purposes."
"And what about uranium?" Neeraj asked. "Without a steady supply, none of this works."
"We'll need to explore domestic reserves, but in the meantime, I've secured initial quantities from Canada," Bhabha replied. "We'll use it carefully, and as our expertise grows, we'll find ways to maximize efficiency."
Rohan stopped to watch a group of young engineers huddled over blueprints, their voices filled with excitement. "They're the reason we're doing this," he said. "If we can give them the tools and knowledge, they'll take this further than we ever could."
In mid-1950, Rohan traveled to Washington, D.C., for discussions with President Harry Truman's administration.
The talks were delicate India wanted access to civilian nuclear technology, but the U.S. was wary of nuclear proliferation, especially in the context of the Cold War.
During one heated meeting at the State Department, an American official voiced his concerns. "How can we be sure India won't use this technology for military purposes?"
Rohan, calm but firm, responded, "Because we're not interested in joining an arms race. India has suffered enough from war and conflict. Our focus is on peaceful applications energy, medicine, agriculture. That's where this technology will make the greatest impact for our people."
After days of negotiation, an agreement was reached.
The U.S. would provide a small reactor, training for Indian scientists, and limited quantities of enriched uranium.
It was a cautious but significant first step.
By the end of 1950, Trombay was a hive of activity.
The first reactor, dubbed Apsara, was nearing completion.
Young scientists, many of them fresh graduates, worked tirelessly under Bhabha's mentorship.
One evening, as Bhabha reviewed blueprints in his office, a junior scientist, Ravi Sharma, hesitated at the door.
"Come in, Ravi," Bhabha said without looking up.
"Sir, I... I just wanted to say thank you," Ravi stammered. "For giving people like me a chance to work on something this big. My father's a farmer, and I never thought I'd be part of something like this."
Bhabha smiled faintly. "It's not about me, Ravi. It's about what we're building together. This reactor, this program it's for the future of India. Now get back to work. We've got a long way to go."
As 1950 drew to a close, Rohan convened a small meeting with Bhabha and key advisors.
The progress was undeniable, but challenges remained.
"We've come a long way," Rohan said, pouring himself a cup of tea. "But this is just the beginning. We need to stay focused not just on the science but on building public trust. People need to know this isn't just about prestige. It's about power for their homes, jobs in new industries, and a future where India isn't dependent on anyone else."
Bhabha nodded. "We're on the right track. But remember, patience will be key. Science doesn't bend to political timelines."
Rohan smiled. "Neither do I, Dr. Bhabha. Let's keep moving forward."
And so they did.