Nuclear energy : useful in right hands

Nuclear energy conjures up the image of nuclear bombs, but one should also know that it is basic unit of human body and when used by the right hands it would be more useful for the society, said Dr. S. Kale, head, technology transfer division, Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Mumbai here on Thursday. Nuclear energy is used in the field of agriculture, food preservation, engineering, industry, hydrology and many other fields. "BARC being a research center also undertakes developing, installing and erecting updated technology with municipalities and corporations in the country,'' he said. Admitting that mistakes do happen, Kale said it should be a learning experience.

 He was speaking at an awareness programme on 'Nuclear Energy for a Better Society' organized by St. Aloysius College, Mangalore in association with BARC.Kale said: I'm not against nuclear energy but against use of nuclear energy for destructive purposes. BARC is not just working towards treatment but also in diagnostic purposes. Medical products, injection and syringes are sterilized through radiation. Food irradiation irradiated Alphonso mangoes are exported to Japan and other countries. Under the 'Nisarga runa' scheme at BARC we try to give back to nature as much as possible. Awareness of science is very poor in India. Integrating science in our daily life is required."

Dr. S.F.D' Souza, former associate director, BARC, Mumbai said young minds must be trained and oriented about advantage, usages and the proper way of reaching nuclear energy to the common people. Rev.Fr. Denzil Lobo, Rector, St .Aloysius College said: Nuclear energy is the cheapest of the power and other energies. It can be used for synthesis of new energy and has got a greater role in the case of cancer radiation." Rev.Fr. Swebert D'Silva, principal and Dr Narayan Bhat, were also present.Other guest speakers included UM Mahant Shetty, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Dr. J.R. Bandekar, Head, Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division, BARC, R.R. Sahaya, Additional Chief Engineer in the Directorate of Reactor Safety and Analysis, NPCIL and Dr. T.R. Ganapathi, Scientific Officer, Head, Plant Cell Culture Technology Section, BARC.

The centre attraction of the programme was the poster exhibition organized by BARC at the college auditorium which was opened to all schools and colleges of the town. Posters were also displayed on the campus by BARC on the various positive uses of nuclear energy. Over 200 participants from 20 institutions were present at the seminar. Students from high school, under graduate colleges, post graduate courses and engineering students and faculties were present at the seminar.

Source: Times of India