Students and staffs from various educational institutions celebrating National Science day at NIT Nagaland, Chümoukedima on February 28. (Photo Courtesy: NIT Nagaland)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 28
National Institute of Technology, Nagaland celebrated National Science Day at its campus on February 28. The day was marked by the presence of Dr Prabhat Kumar, Indian nuclear scientist as chief guest for its ALRIS (Applying Logic and Reasoning for Igniting Science) 2024 programme.
In his address to the gathering, Dr Prabhat Kumar spoke on several topics including importance of utilizing nuclear technology to harness energy and its intricacies.
At the outset he shared the experiences gained during his time with the Department of Atomic Energy. He first joined the department in the year 1974, the same year that India tested its first nuclear explosion, code named ‘Smiling Buddha.’ At that time, he explained that the country was faced with a trade embargo due to growing concerns from Western countries about India’s nuclear program. “We were in a very chaotic situation because all of our partners (Europeans) walked away. No one was prepared to give us any type of knowledge, equipment.”
He also shared his work with thermal reactors as well nuclear fusion. “I became the only person, post-retirement who was sent to fusion,” he said. He went on to share about the process of nuclear fusion and how energy is produced to the students in attendance. Coming from a modest background, Dr Kumar shared that the entire journey had been a learning experience for him. At the same time, the youths of today have the potential to do much greater things given the vast availability of knowledge and information, he said.
For which he encouraged the students to develop the capability of listening, questioning and soft skills. “Today you are living in a time where Indians have recognition and are equal partners,” he said. Be it in the field of medicine, technology or other sciences, there were innumerable avenues for youths to contribute and progress.
Earlier during the welcome address, Dr Jyoti Prasad Borah, President of NIT Nagaland Science Society (NNSS) spoke of the significance of national science day. The day is to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Sir CV Raman. In this regard, NNSS has been observing the day every year since 2019, he said.
Dr S Venugopal, Director of NIT Nagaland meanwhile spoke on the scope and potential that the field of science holds for students. He viewed that beyond the availability of infrastructural facilities, a student requires only the right mindset and determination to progress further in any field they choose to pursue.
On the occasion of science day, a science exhibition was also held at the campus which included extempore speech, quiz, science exhibition and post exhibition, innovation room (made by students, a representation of Chandrayan) and an interactive session with the guest speaker Dr Kumar. This was followed by an evening session of cultural display put forth by the students.
A total of 73 students also participated in the programme from various schools and colleges of Dimapur and Chümoukedima as well.
