50 Years' of Radiochemistry in DAE |
A one-day seminar to celebrate Golden Jubilee of Radiochemistry programme in Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) along with Silver Jubilee of Indian Association of Nuclear Chemists and allied scientists (IANCAS) was held today at Multipurpose Hall, Training School Hostel, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai. Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy inaugurated the seminar and recalled that the radiochemistry laboratory at south site Trombay was conceptualized by our founding father Dr.Homi J. Bhabha. Ever since, radiochemistry programme has excelled in basic and applied research. He undelined the importance of developing knowledge base, appropriate for Indian conditions. Dr. Srikumar Banerjee, Director BARC, presided over and appreciated the significant contributions of radiochemistry to the front end as well as back end at nuclear fuel cycle and development of non-destructive assay (NDA) techniques for nuclear material accounting.
Nuclear Chemistry is an important branch of nuclear science involving study of nuclear properties and their applications. Radiochemistry programme at Trombay started in 1957 and initially revolved around neutron irradiation at APSARA. The programme has focused on attaining excellence in basic research related to nuclear fission, nuclear probes for materials study, characterization of fuels, chemical and non-destructive assay techniques for nuclear materials. Nuclear chemistry provided useful inputs for determination of yields of Pokhran-II nuclear tests.
IANCAS has also completed 25 years and has played a meaningful role in disseminating information related to nuclear sciences to academic community in the country. Through 65 national workshops it has interacted with about 3,000 post-graduate university teachers and 35,000 students of degree colleges and high-schools. Most attractive feature of these programmes has been the hands-on experience of working with radioactive materials and strengthening the equipment infrastructure in the university laboratories.
Dr. V. Venugopal, Director, Radiochemistry and Isotope Group, BARC, tracked the achievements over past 50 years. Dr. V.K. Manchanda, Head, Radiochemistry Division and President IANCAS, highlighted the relevance and excellence in radiochemistry programme. Dr. G.A. Ramarao, Secretary, IANCAS, proposed the vote of thanks.