Need to review ongoing atomic projects: Kalam

“Japan and India are two different countries. The recent combination of earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan is a rare event,yet a big learning experience for the world and we must learn from it. In India,we might encounter different disasters such as cyclone,earthquakes or for that matter a combination of both,” he said appealing to the DIAT authorities to develop a joint research programme to analyse such situations and develop a disaster management course for addressing such situations. “I request the management to draw a roadmap to ensure awareness amongst people who manage these institutes as well as people who are affected by such disasters.”

“Reacting in panic to Japan-like accidents is incorrect. Every event teaches us lessons and we need to learn from them. It must be kept in mind that the situation in all the countries is not alike,” said Anil Kakodkar,former chairman,Atomic Energy Commission,who was also present.

The nuclear accidents in Fukushima that followed the earthquake and tsunami had raised questions about the already disputed Jaitapur nuclear plant in coastal Konkan in Maharashtra with reference to which Kakodkar said,“When we talk of India becoming an economic superpower,we should not forget that in becoming so,our energy needs are going to increase 10 times. And nuclear resources are going to be needed then. Options such as Jaitapur should not be wasted by misleading people and giving them wrong information. A detailed evaluation of the recorded history of the region is also important before coming up with the final design of the plant.”

Dr V K Saraswat,DRDO chief present on the occasion,signed the Kalam’s doctorate certificate. “I have been associated with DRDO for over two decades. It feels good when your own organisation recognises you as a good guy,” Kalam said.

Also present on the occasion was Lalit M Patnaik,vice-chancellor,DIAT.