Raja Ramanna: The Scientist Who Chose Country Over Power

A Pivotal Offer in Baghdad

In 1978, Baghdad witnessed a significant moment when Saddam Hussein, the then influential leader of Iraq, extended a remarkable proposal to an Indian physicist. Raja Ramanna, who had previously overseen India's inaugural nuclear test, was invited to lead Iraq's nuclear program. Despite the allure of such an offer, Ramanna felt a deep sense of fear rather than excitement. He spent a restless night contemplating his fate and quickly booked a flight back home.