IGCAR’s 53rd foundation day celebrated
The role played by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in renewable energy came in for praise, as the 53rd foundation day of the Centre was celebrated on April 30, 2024.
Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, the second largest R&D establishment, under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), celebrated its foundation day on April 30, 2024. Reactor Research Centre came into being on April 30, 1971 by an executive order by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the then Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, and was subsequently renamed as Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in December 1985.
Shri Vivek Bhasin, Distinguished Scientist and Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Dr. U. Kamachi Mudali, Vice Chancellor, Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) and Dr. Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chairman and Managing Director, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), were the guests of honour. Dr. N. Sivaraman, Convener, Foundation Day Committee and Director, MC&MFCG, IGCAR, welcomed the gathering.
Following a video show tracing the history of genesis of IGCAR to its present stature, Dr B. Venkatraman, Distinguished Scientist and Director IGCAR presented the unique accomplishments and the way forward for various programmes of the Centre. Shri Vivek Bhasin, flagged off the commencement of the “Pilot scale production of radioisotopes (90Y, 32P) for the benefit of the society” and in his holistic address, traced the vision of the Department, stressing on the synergistic roles the various Units have to play towards ensuring energy security for the development of the nation.
Shri Bhasin also urged the DAE fraternity, to harness their capabilities towards realizing the vision of a self-reliant India (Atma Nirbhar Bharat) transforming to a developed Nation (Vikasit Bharat) in the Amrit Kaal.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Jha, CMD, MIDHANI, felicitated the employees who excelled in various co-curricular activities and addressed the gathering. In his address, he elaborated the long standing collaboration between MIDHANI and DAE and applauded the unique strengths that are being pursued at IGCAR.
Dr. U. Kamachi Mudali, Vice-Chancellor, HBNI distributed the medals and certificates to scholars of HBNI whose thesis were adjudged the best in 2022 and 2023. In his address, he recalled his memorable journey with IGCAR and highlighted the academic excellence of HBNI.
Smt. Ajitha Thariyan, CAO, IGCAR, delivered the vote of thanks. Senior officials from various DAE Units, former Directors, former colleagues from Administration and Accounts, senior officials from support organisations and principals of schools at Kalpakkam, also graced the occasion.
