Mangalore, Dec 13: An awareness programme on 'Nuclear Energy for a Better Society' organized by St. Aloysius College, Mangalore in association with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai was inaugurated by Dr. Sharad Kale, Head, TT & CD, BARC, Mumbai on Thursday at Eric Mathias hall, St. Aloysius College, Mangalore.
The programme sought to elaborate on the various applications of nuclear energy in ensuring food and water security as well as healthcare.
“Nuclear energy conjures up the image of nuclear bombs but one should also know that it is basic unit of human body and when it is used by the right hands it would be more useful to the society. Nuclear energy is used in the field of Agriculture, Food preservation, engineering, industry, Hydrology etc. BARC being a research centre also undertakes developing, installing and erecting updated technology with municipalities and corporations in cities of our country. Yes, mistakes have happen, but we should learn from history, Confidence by showing scion behind it, secondly to accept the risk and prepare and proper orientation.” said Padmashree Dr. Sharad Kale adding that he is not against use of nuclear energy as such but he is against use of nuclear energy for destructive purposes.
“Varieties have come out when nuclear energy is put to positive use. Research is taking place in developing indigenous radiation therapy for cancer treatment. 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. Kale highlighted.
Dr. S.F.D' Souza, EX AD, BMG, BARC, Mumbai said that young minds must be trained and oriented towards advantage, usages and the proper way of reaching nuclear energy to the common people.
Rev.Fr. Denzil Lobo S J, 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 SJ, principal invited the dignitaries and Dr. Narayan Bhat, organizing secretary delivered vote of thanks.
Other guest speakers were U.M. Mahant Shetty, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Dr. J.R. Bandekar, Head, Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, BARC, R.R. Sahaya, Additional Chief Engineer (CFD & FA) in the Directorate of Reactor Safety and Analysis, NPCIL and Dr. T.R. Ganapathi, Scientific Officer (G), Head, Plant Cell Culture Technology Section, BARC. The lecture workshop will conclude with a panel discussion and interaction with the students.
The centre of 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.
A series of competitions on the theme of the lecture workshop will be conducted on December 13, 2013 from 9.30 am. to 3.30 pm., consisting of quiz, debate and cartoon art. It is open to students studying in high school to the post-graduate level, with cash prizes up to Rs. 5000. The lecture workshop is open to faculty and students of PUC/Degree/ PG from physical and biological sciences and students will get an ample opportunity to interact with prominent scientists from BARC.
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