Dividends of scientific research to common people merit highest attention. Most of the modern devices in common use nowadays for both diagnosing diseases and their treatment owe a great deal to atomic and space research. Indian nuclear scientists are far ahead of their counterparts pursuing atomic research abroad, opined Prof. J. Shashidhara Prasad, Mysuru-based noted physicist and former VC of University of Mysore. Establishments with world-class facilities for research in the area of nuclear science such as the Mumbai-based Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) are in charge of scientists and mercifully not in the grip of bureaucrats, he added.

Elementary particles: Prof. Prasad was delivering a talk on ‘Nuclear Science Research in India’ on Mar. 4 here at the Institution of Engineers-India (IEI), Mysuru Centre. Tracing the birth and rapid progress of nuclear science both globally and in India, he recollected  the names of many giants among the  scientists of the past such as Satyendra Nath Bose, Rutherford, Rontgen, Niels Bohr, Oppenheimer, Homi Bhabha and others, highlighting the discovery of elementary particles more than a century ago, and later anti-particles.

He credited discovery of electrons by Thompson in 1897 as the harbinger of atomic research.

Nuclear energy: Explaining the two technologies to harvest atomic energy for use in both weaponry (atomic and hydrogen bombs) and peaceful purposes for the good of society, Prof. Prasad delineated the devices characterised by fusion and fission methods. Uncontrolled reactions in both methods led to nuclear bombs while controlled reactions lead to atomic reactors which are currently functioning in India, he observed.

He recalled Robert Oppenheimer’s lines of Bhagavad Gita with deep regret following the inaugural devastating automic explosion of 1945. Homi Bhabha’s vision of 1945 resulted in pursuit of top class research in the area of nuclear physics in India, the speaker recalled.

His contributions of India’s progress in scientific research are of greater value than the contributions of many scientists honoured with Nobel Prize, he added.

Mysuru Plant: Rare Materials Plant located in Mysuru is for enriching Uranium-238 to the more suitable Uranium-233 and Uranium-235 for generating atomic energy, the speaker disclosed. India currently generates 6,790 Mega Watts of power using atomic energy, he said, adding that the target of 20 Giga Watts of power by nuclear energy has been set. A nuclear device of one Megaton can be used for projects such as digging canals, he said, adding that India’s scientists have successfully utilised such technologies.

The event was presided over by C.N. Babu, retired Chief Engineer, Government of Karnataka and former Chairman of IEI, Mysuru Centre. Secretary Ravindranatha compered. Co-ordinator Dr. Rajaram Shastri proposed a vote of thanks.