An awareness program named “Anu Awareness Yatra – 2023” was launched at the prestigious Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, with the theme “Atoms in the Service of the Nation.” The program, organized in association with the National Council of Science Museum (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Vigyan Bharathi – Arivial Sangam, Tamil Nadu, and the Indian Association for Radiation Protection, aimed to showcase indigenous progress in Science and Technology while spreading awareness about nuclear energy.
Sparking Scientific Curiosity and Promoting Awareness
The Anu Awareness Yatra – 2023 was designed with two main objectives in mind: to spark scientific curiosity among rural students and to promote awareness about nuclear energy and its spin-off technologies. As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating India’s independence, the yatra was organized in nodal institutions across 7 districts of Tamil Nadu and 3 districts of Kerala.
Inauguration and Key Points of the Event
The event commenced on 24th July, 2023, with a curtain raiser at the Sarabhai Auditorium, IGCAR, Kalpakkam. Dr. V. Subramanian, Head of the Radiological & Environmental Safety Division, highlighted the key aspects of the “Anu Awareness Yatra – 2023.” He emphasized the importance of fostering a scientific temperament among the youth and creating awareness about nuclear energy as a clean and viable energy source.
Genesis and Objectives
Dr. B. Venkatraman, Director of IGCAR, provided insight into the genesis of the yatra and its main objectives. The program aimed to bridge the gap between urban and rural students’ exposure to science and technology by bringing hands-on experiences to their doorstep.
Instilling Passion for Science among Children
Ms. K. A. Sadhana, Director of Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum (VITM), shared VITM’s efforts in instilling a passion for science among children. As part of the yatra, the ‘Science on Wheels’ mobile van from NCSM accompanied the journey, offering students an opportunity to engage in interactive science experiments.
Importance of Science in Daily Life
Shri Gopal Parthasarathy, State Secretary of Vigyan Bharathi – Arivial Sangam (VIBHA), highlighted the activities of the Arivial Sangam and emphasized the significance of science in daily life. The yatra aimed to make science accessible and relevant to the students’ lives, opening up new possibilities for their future.
Nuclear Energy: A Cornerstone of India’s Energy Portfolio
The Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) & Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of nuclear energy in India’s energy portfolio. He underlined its role in achieving net-zero carbon goals and mentioned various societal applications, such as healthcare, agriculture, food preservation, and industrial applications, that have benefited from nuclear science and technology.
Exhibition Showcasing India’s Nuclear Power Program
An exhibition organized by Ms. Jalaja Madan Mohan and her team along with NCSM showcased models of the three stages of the Indian Nuclear Power Program and various societal applications of Nuclear Energy. The exhibition attracted approximately 200 students, providing them with a glimpse into India’s progress in harnessing nuclear energy for the betterment of society.
Official Flag Off of the Yatra
The Anu Awareness Yatra – 2023 was officially flagged off at IGCAR by Ms. K. A. Sadhana and Shri Gopal Parthasarathy, in the presence of the Director of IGCAR and senior officials. The journey of spreading awareness and igniting scientific curiosity had begun, and the yatra was set to make a positive impact on the young minds of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.