MUMBAI: For the atomic capital of India, Mumbai, it was a significant nuclear leap on Thursday.During the inauguration of the Indian Nuclear Society conference at HSNC University in Worli, Mumbai’s first School of Nuclear Science and Technology of the six-year-old university went “critical. ’’In layman’s parlance, going “critical’’ means it has started to function in phases.Speaking to TOI, university vice-chancellor Hemlata Bagla said that the new school will offer BSc and MSc courses and help in training professionals. It will go a long way in strengthening scientific foundation, opening new opportunities when there is a great deal of interest currently in the nuclear sector,’’ she stated.We already have a nuclear radiochemistry department at KC College which was established on October 10, 1997. Now we are going further into the radiochemistry department,’’ she said.The new school will collaborate with BARC, Department of Atomic Energy, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and other nuclear establishments around the city.According to her, the school will also seek collaboration with global bodies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In his presidential address, former chairperson of Atomic Energy Commission, Anil Kakodkar, said that the 100 GW Nuclear Energy Mission was an ambitious one and right now it was only the beginning.We need to access energy which is three or four times more than what it is today to improve the quality of life and the only source is nuclear,’’ he told the large gathering of nuclear scientists, educationists and students gathered at the university.The former Indian nuke chief emphasised the important role played by uranium.He said that the Shanti Act passed in December 2025 allowed R&D, the development of different types of reactors like micro reactors and fusion reactors involving the participation of a large number of people.According to Kakodkar, for a smooth implementation of the Act, an intermediary agency has to be involved like the Indian Nuclear Society helping in important areas like capacity building and certification.