The recent celebration of Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti and the Prime Minister’s homage to this historical figure marked the significance of one of India’s greatest spiritual leaders. This social reformer, hailing from Kerala, was renowned for championing principles of equality, inclusivity, and the power of education. Concurrently, India is making headlines in the field of nuclear power and defence technologies, showcasing its commitment to indigenous development strategies.
Sree Narayana Guru: An Icon of Unity and Equality
One vital contribution that set Sree Narayana Guru (1856-1928) apart from Indias’ many revered figures was his message of unity within diversity. Emphasizing “One Caste, One Religion, One God for All” (Oru Jathi, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu), the Guru propagated harmony amongst varied communities.
Born in Chempazhanthy, Kerala, he promoted social upliftment, defying caste-based barriers. His interpretation of Advaita Vedanta, the principle of non-duality postulated by Adi Shankara, made him a leading advocate of these philosophies.
Part of his legacy includes the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), a philanthropic society founded by him, dedicated to social service.
India’s Nuclear Power Prowess: 700 MWe Reactor
Shifting focus from the spiritual to the scientific, the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3) in Gujarat has recently celebrated an achievement. Its indigenously developed 700 MWe nuclear reactor is now operating at full capacity.
This Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), which stands as India’s largest, employs natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as a moderator. An added feature of this reactor is its ‘Passive Decay Heat Removal System,’ an advanced safety system that efficiently manages the heat produced through radioactive decay within the reactor’s core without any operator intervention.
By 2031, India plans to nearly triple its current nuclear power capacity of 7,480 MWe to reach 22,480 MWe.
The Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project: Boost to Defence
In addition to the scientific feats in nuclear energy, India is also making strides in defence. The first ship under the Diving Support Craft (DSC) project, ‘DSC A 20’ (Yard 325), has been launched recently in Kolkata (Hooghly River).
In 2021, a contract was inked between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s Titagarh Wagons Ltd (TWL) for the construction of five such crafts. These vessels are purposed for operational and training diving endeavors within harbors and coastal waters.
The completion of all five DSCs for the Indian Navy is expected by FY 2024-25. The project also aligns well with the goals of the “Make in India” and “Make for the World” initiatives, as the majority of the equipment used is sourced from indigenous manufacturers.
