Metro Plus
Chennai
Hyderabad
Meeting challenges head on
|
An expert of international repute, Dr. Chaitanyamoy Ganguly is responsible for developing Nuclear Fuel Complex into a profitable venture for the country. Recipient of Padma Shri, Dr. Ganguly feels that more challenges lie before the scientists to pursue eco-friendly programmes.
|
AT THE HELM: Dr. Chaitanyamoy Ganguly.
IF I had got this award 15 years ago, I'd have been on top of the world. After you cross that threshold, you are no longer that excited. You are neither overjoyed nor depressed over anything. Today, in the field of science and engineering, it is the teamwork that counts. So, I say the recognition is for that teamwork. But I am glad that an award had been given to someone in the area of fuel for the first time. Lot of hard work has been done by my predecessors, the guys who have set up such facilities here... they deserve this award."
That is Dr. Chatanyamoy Ganguly, Chairman and Chief Executive, Nuclear Fuel Complex, on receiving the prestigious Padma Shri for his outstanding contributions in Nuclear Science and Engineering for the year 2002. With an infectious display of enthusiasm, Ganguly says that he enjoys his work at the plant than sitting in a chair in his room, and he goes ga ga over the workers at NFC saying "The work culture is very good here. We work for 365 days and in three shifts every day. Our workers manage without supervision, and their 100 per cent dedication is what inspires me." Nuclear Fuel Complex in Hyderabad - commissioned in 1971 -- is one of its kinds in the country, which provides fuel to various power reactors in India. In addition, NFC manufactures and supplies stainless steel core components for the Fast Breeder Reactor Programme and other special high purity materials for both nuclear and non-nuclear applications. Dr. Ganguly, at the helm of affairs since 1998 has helped NFC overcome losses and make enormous profits in the last four years.
While the efforts are on to increase nuclear energy for generation of electricity in the country, Ganguly emphasises the need to generate power without degrading the environment and at an affordable price. "That is the biggest challenge, scientists face today," he says.
Commenting that there is a sea change between yesterdays and today's science, Ganguly says earlier, one was taught to conquer nature, but the new thinking today is to mime nature. "All our work in material science has gone wrong, let me admit in most humble way," says Ganguly, "For example, iron does not occur in nature as iron, but occurs in the form of iron oxide. So, the moment you are producing iron from it, by addition of carbon, you are giving back to nature a pollutant in the form of carbon mono-oxide and carbon dioxide. This is the price you pay for conquering nature. Now, if I can make a tube or a rod with stone as my starting point, then I had made a product without polluting the environment. Here lies the challenge of a scientist."
To a world that is involved in nuclear race, apprehensions continue to ride high regarding its safety and use in society. Dr. Ganguly allays such fears and says that there is no other viable option.
"It is definitely the safest and cleanest form of energy. Apprehensions arise due to its history. Nuclear energy was found in 1939, and the immediate use was for weapon purpose because of its high energy density. The devastating effect it had on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Chernobyl accident continues to play on people's mind. It all depends on how you use the energy. Fire is used for destructive and constructive purposes. Fault is in the mindset, not in the energy," he points out.
Dr. Ganguly observes that there is a thin line between waste and wealth.
"The so called nuclear waste is nothing but source of radiation," he informs. "Radiation can be used for various utility purposes. But we should do it in more aggressive way. Nuclear energy is only 60-years-old. Any technology, from its inception to full-fledged commercialisation, takes about 75 to 80 years. Nuclear energy will also mature. My concern is, once it matures, we should not miss that bus, like we missed the industrial revolution,'' says Dr. Ganguly.
Speaking on the safety measures, Dr. Ganguly points out "we do not give up travelling by air if there is an accident involving an aircraft. We make better aircraft with increased safety measures. Similarly, we come up with reactors with inherent safety. Strict control on the nuclear radioactive material will ensure that it is not diverted illegally for weapon making. The choice is ours.''
Dr. Ganguly adapted himself well to Hyderabad and leads a quite life outside work with his wife Dr. Taposhi, a scientist with CCMB, and son Rishi who's in X std in Hyderabad Public School.
"I have simple habits and lead a simple lifestyle. Music is the only thing we are crazy about. With a ticket to a musical programme, you can get me do anything," he laughs heartily and reveals his musical side of the history.
"My mother's side, they are all engineers and doctors. My maternal grandfather was a very good civil engineer. Whereas, my father's side people were all into fine arts - music, stage and theatre. We had our own theatre group in the family. Every other day we used to have mehfils and everyone could sing.
When I joined BARC training centre after my graduation, there was this amateur theatre group I was active with. We gave many performances and I played lead role in many musicals. I used to be crazy about Hindustani vocal.
After working from 7am to 7pm in the laboratory, I would attend mehfils in the evening return in the night, just drink water and would go to bed. Next morning I would be all charged. I miss that part of the life," says a nostalgic Dr. Ganguly.
Looking out for a more challenging venture, Dr. Ganguly expresses a desire to get into the field of teaching, particularly to undergraduates. "I'd like to teach a subject where I want to learn. This is possible only when you interact with the young," he says.
Whatever area of work, Dr. Ganguly shows the same commitment and reminds us that no one can afford to sit in an ivory tower and remain untouched by reality.
"At certain point of time you have to give something to society," he concludes.
S.B. VIJAYA MARY
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Chennai
Hyderabad
|
