Sundaresan 'Somu' Somasundaram Obituary (1930 - 2024)

Sundaresan ‘Somu’ Somasundaram Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Sundaresan ‘Somu’ Somasundaram, a distinguished scientist, passed away at his home in Sugar Land, TX, on March 11, 2024. He was 93 years old. His family, who loved him dearly, was by his side. He made significant contributions to atomic energy through his research and government work. Somu, as he was affectionately known within his family, was born in Devakottai, Tamil Nadu, India, on September 29, 1930. Despite his humble beginnings, he excelled academically. He earned a Master’s Degree in Physics with Honors from Presidency College in Madras. Later, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Somu’s illustrious career began at the Atomic Energy Establishment Trombay (AEET), conceived by India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and founded by Dr. Homi Bhabha. Recruited as one of the pioneering scientists, Somu had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Bhabha. After Dr. Bhabha’s passing, AEET was renamed the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC). Somu served the Government of India’s Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), including its Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) unit for over three decades. His work with the DAE took him to research centers, industrial organizations, and public sector companies all over India. Holding leadership positions, he trained and encouraged scientists in radiation safety. Somu initiated collaborative programs with two institutes in India, the Tata Memorial Center and the National Institute of Nutrition. These studies served to quantify and decipher the importance of trace elements in infant nutrition. A noteworthy tenure at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, marked Somu’s remarkable career. He organized several international symposia and training programs at the IAEA. These efforts resulted in several publications that helped to improve the understanding of radiation safety worldwide. Somu frequently served as an expert on IAEA assignments. These assignments took him to over 50 countries across five continents. They gave him the opportunity to meaningfully improve radiation protection standards in many developing nations across Africa, Asia, and South America. Somu dedicated his career to the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. He worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of nuclear reactor workers, treat cancer with radiation therapy, and combat malnutrition using nuclear techniques. He mentored many of his colleagues, fostering transformational change in their careers. As the Secretary of the Indian Association of Radiation Protection, he passionately promoted health physics and radiation safety. He concluded his career as a Director on the Government of India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board after more than 30 years of distinguished service. Recognizing his expertise, the International Commission on Radiological Protection in Ottawa, Canada, invited Somu to join the Medicine Committee in 1985. He served on this committee through 1993. Somu was an honorable man who led a life of purpose, embodying the philosophy, “Work is worship. Engage in your cause at any age. Whatever your life’s work may be, do it well. Work performed in the spirit of service, without the desire for reward, is the highest form of worship.” His generous spirit and love for life were evident in every aspect of his existence. He was a pillar of support for his siblings; he enabled their betterment and uplifted them. A lifelong learner, he loved reading and never stopped seeking knowledge. His love for learning was so profound that even after retirement, he answered the call of his beloved son and moved to the U.S., where he took an active interest in his son’s company, learning and implementing concepts in finance and investing well into his 90s. Somu had a deep attachment to his granddaughter, cherishing every moment spent with her. Their bond was one of the joys of his life. Family time was precious to Somu. He enjoyed watching cricket matches with his family and engaged in playing cards and board games. Music was another of Somu’s passions. He found solace in the melodies of Carnatic music, with T.R. Mahalingam and M.S. Subbulakshmi being his favorites. Somu also immensely enjoyed Viennese music and art. He made it a point to ring in each New Year with the celebration from Vienna on the Public Broadcasting Service’s Great Performances. He was particularly fond of Austria’s unofficial national anthems, ‘The Blue Danube Waltz’ and the ‘Radetzky March.’ Somu leaves behind his devoted wife, Jaya, whom he married in 1961, his son Prem, daughter-in-law Uma, granddaughter Sriya, and brother Ganapathi. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sundaresan and Parvathi, his brothers Ramaswamy and Sitapathy, and his sister Muthulakshmi. Somu, a man of purpose and passion, was deeply loved and respected in all walks of life. His life, a testament to his belief in hard work, continuous learning, and the spirit of service, left an indelible impression on those fortunate to know him. His absence is deeply felt. His legacy continues to inspire, living on in the hearts of those who knew him. His memory will forever be cherished by those who loved him.