Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (AK)
Pics - Sphoorti Ullal
Mangalore, November 29: A two-day regional seminar on 'Applications of Radioisotopes and Radiation Technology' was inaugurated on Wednesday November 29 at Town Hall here. The seminar is jointly organized by Mangalore University and National Association for Application of Radioisotopes and Radiation in Industry (NAARRI) Mumbai.
Chief Executive of the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology Mumbai, Dr A K Kohli inaugurated the seminar.
In his inaugural address, Kohli drew the attention of the audience to the developments that have taken place in the field of nuclear and atomic technology. He revealed that more than 5,000 radio isotopes have been identified and 150 of them have been implemented in the service of the society.
Pointing out the significance of the radio isotopes, Kohli said that they play a major role in treatment of cancer. He further crystallized his point by stating the example of Iodine 131, a radio isotope which is instrumental in treating thyroid cancer. He enlightened the listeners on various other benefits of radio isotopes such as detection of leakage or blockage hundreds of metres below the earth, industrial radiography and so on.
He brought to the notice of the audience the eco-friendly isotopes that are being introduced as opposed to the earlier isotopes which he said were contributing to depletion of the ozone layer.
Vice-chancellor of Varsity Prof K M Kaveriappa presided over the function.
Addressing the gathering, Kaveriappa said that nuclear explosions during the World War II created the misconceptions regarding nuclear energy and radiation. Providing a developmental picture of nuclear research, he revealed that progress has been made in ascertaining safety measures against the nuclear hazards. Kaveriappa further stated that techniques of disposing nuclear waste have also been developed.
Speaking on the occasion, Station Director of the Kaiga Generating Station, G Nageshwara Rao said that the achievements of nuclear power stations like Kaiga have played a significant role in making India one of the leading forces in nuclear technology. Briefing about the future endeavours of Kaiga Generating Station, he mentioned that two more units holding a capacity of 220 mega watts are in the process of formation.
Former Vice-chancellor of the Mangalore University, Prof M I Savadatti inaugurated exhibition. This exhibition at the Ravindra Kala Kshetra, University College Mangalore, intends to provide information regarding the positive applications of nuclear energy.
Secretary of NAARRI, P J Chandy, head of the USIC, H M Somashekarappa and registrar, Mangalore University, K Sundar Naik were also present on the occasion.