Nagaland NCC commemorates 25th anniversary of Pokhran-II nuclear test

National Cadet Corps (NCC) Kohima

KOHIMA — Along with the rest in the country, 1 Nagaland Girls Battalion of National Cadet Corps (NCC) Kohima under the aegis of NCC Group Kohima commemorated ‘25 years of Pokhran-II nuclear test’ at Kohima Science College (Autonomous) in Jotsoma on Saturday on the theme “Peaceful use of nuclear energy for development of the nations”.

NCC cadets Sneha Sharma, Pranay Prem Sharma and Babu Mech from Kohima Science College made a powerpoint presentation on the theme and explained various applications of nuclear energy in today’s world. Issues of discussion included safe and useful applications and advantages of nuclear energy, Indian nuclear power–key role in development, Indian youth in nuclear sector etc.

They explained how nuclear energy, which has become a powerful tool for the world, could be used in advancing human health, accessing portable water and marine conservation. Other uses of nuclear energy for peaceful purpose included power generation, agriculture, food preservation, industry and research as well radiation sterilisation of medical products and range of novel diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

It was informed that there are currently 21 nuclear power plants operating in India, while the country has already generated 755 billion units of electricity and has served 650 million tons of CO2 emissions.

Even as the country is planning to construct new nuclear power reactors by 2024, the speakers recounted how India’s first nuclear weapon explosion was detonated on the army base in Rajasthan Pokhran Test Range by the Indian army.

It was the first confirmed nuclear test by a nation outside the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. The explosive yield was estimated to be around 8kt, weighing 1,400 kg after Dr. PK Iyengar created and designed the bomb with Dr. Raja Ramanna being the project head, it was apprised.

The learners also informed how the world’s first Thorium-based nuclear plant “Bhavni” is to be set up in Tamil Nadu as the government has allowed operations with the public sector to enhance India’s nuclear programme. It was also informed that there are 160 nuclear warheads with India at present.

The discourse also highlighted Tarapur Atomic Power Plant – I (TAPS-I), which is the first and oldest nuclear power station in India.

Dr. Visuzoto Valeo, assistant professor of Kohima Science College (CTO,1 NL Air Sqn.NCC), said nuclear energy is an energy that is realised from the nucleus of an atom when it undergoes a process called nuclear fission or fusion. He informed that the first commercial nuclear power stations started operation in the 1950s. He added that nuclear energy was crucial to meet the world’s energy, health and agricultural needs, and nuclear technology.

With just 15 countries accounting for more than 91% of global nuclear power production, Valeo informed that US nuclear power produces over 50% of the country’s clean electricity. India has been ranked 13% in nuclear power production having 22 operating reactors with 40.372 GWh of nuclear electricity supply.

He highlighted nuclear related accidents, nuclear proliferation and waste management to be some of the risks of using nuclear energy.

Emphasing on the importance of peaceful use and benefits of nuclear energy, Valeo stated that atomic energy has the potential to be a valuable tool for the development of nations, provide reliable and low carbon source of energy that can support economic growth and development.

Brig. PS Sangwan, group commander of NCC Group Kohima, apprised about various plans and programmes being conducted for NCC to boost their knowledge and confidence on different issues. He informed that day’s programme was organised to have an understating on nuclear energy for its positive future usages.

Sangwan further reminded youngsters to stand for the many positive impacts and peaceful purposes of nuclear energy keeping in mind the controversies due to its association with nuclear weapons and potential risks.

On the occasion, prizes were handed over to the winners of the art and poster competitions which were held on the theme “Peaceful use of nuclear energy for development of nations,” on May 10 in the three districts of Kohima and Chümukedima and Mokokchung.

In the senior division/ senior wing category, Chulem Yenlunghu from Kohima College Kohima and 1 NL Girls BN NCC bagged the first position, while second and third positions went to Kenelo Tep from Tetso College in Chümukedima, 24 NL  Coy NCC), and Sebuhno Keyho from Kohima College Kohima, 1 NL Girls BN NCC) respectively.

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Under the junior division/ junior wing category, Suhana Begum from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima, (1 NL Girls BN NCC) emerged as the winner, while Debashree from Pilgrim Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, (1 NL AIR SQN NCC) and Thejano Humstoe from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Kohima, (1 NL Girls BN NCC)) clinched second and third positions respectively.

Video show on nuclear power plants and display of selected entries of the art and competition marked the event.