Science and technology greatly impacts Indian life – Padmashree Dr. Shrikumar Banerjee

Science and technology greatly impacts Indian life – Padmashree Dr. Shrikumar Banerjee

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Feb 25, 2012: Science and technology have a great impact on the lives on the people of India, stated Padmashri Dr. Shrikumar Banerjee, the senior nuclear scientist, in his convocation address delivered at the 9th annual convocation of the National Institute of Technology – Suratkal today.

Currently, the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and secretary to the Department of Atomic Energy of the Government of India, Dr. Banerjee urged students to convert the “made in India” economy to “designed in India” economy.  Speaking on the importance of research, he said that it is essential to economic growth.

 

Stating that the third phase of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor of 500MW capacity project will be based on thorium-233U Cycle, which requires several technological inputs, he said that these technologies have to be developed for the early implementation of the thorium fuel cycle in India.

He further said that India is now experienced enough to operate a research reactor KAMINI based on 233U fuel in Kalpakkam and to design an advanced heavy water reactor (AHWR) with the objective of developing several enabling technologies required for thorium-based systems in BARC.

Stating that the nuclear program in India has the potential to provide long-term energy security to the country, he said that this program is safe.

Sushil Chandra Tripathi, the chairman of the Board of Governors of NIT-K, presided over the ceremony. Prof. Sandeep Sancheti, the director of NIT-K, delivered the welcome and introductory address.

The board of governors, the senate, faculty members, staff, and parents were present.

Around 1132 students passed out of NIT-K in 2010 – 11. Around 509 students graduated with BTech degrees and 455 with MTech, 70 with MCA, 40 with MBA, 42 with MSc, and 16 with PhD. Besides, medals for outstanding academic performance were conferred on 37 students.