Amity Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (AINST), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida campus in collaboration with the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, is organizing a five-day Workshop on “Handling of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Materials” for Indian Security Agencies from 3rd November to 7th November 2025. Around 16 security personnel from CISF, NDRF, ITBP, BSF, SSB, and other security agencies will be participating in this workshop.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, Former DG-BSF and Former Deputy National Security Advisor, averred, “The workshop is being organized on a very important topic which is national security. In 1974, the first nuclear weapon named Smiling Buddha Mission was successfully tested. India did not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty due to its discriminatory nature. The successful test of nuclear weapons in Pokhran in 1998 put us in the list of endowed nuclear countries and today, 22 nuclear reactors, 07 nuclear power plants etc. are operational in the country. As far as the nuclear attack is concerned, even today India stands by its promise that we will not carry out the first attack. Nuclear energy is essential to meet the energy requirement of the country and more such workshops should be organized with mutual cooperation.”
Mr. Ryan Bullard, Deputy Chief, DTRA-Regional Cooperative Engagement Office, Indo-Pacific Region, said, “This workshop will further strengthen the relationship between Amity and DTRA and we will get the help of experts in developing the curriculum of nuclear energy. This important workshop will provide advanced knowledge of safety against nuclear materials to all the participants, which is the need of the hour.”
Dr. Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor Amity University Uttar Pradesh stated, “Today, radioactive materials are being used in almost all sectors such as health, energy, etc., so proper care of these type of materials is very important. Nuclear security is an important part of the Viksit Bharat Mission, so the role of youth is even more important. The workshop will be helpful in developing the theoretical and practical skills and enhancing the knowledge of the participants.”
Dr. Sunil S. Chirayath, Distinguished R&D Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), USA, said, “Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducts a variety of research for nuclear materials, including testing advanced semiconductors and nuclear fuels, the use of nuclear waste for cancer treatment, and the development of materials for advanced reactor designs. The laboratory also uses highly powerful supercomputers and specialized reactors for research in nuclear energy, materials science, and other fields.”
Prof. M. Sai Baba, Visiting Professor, National Institute of Advanced Studies, said, “During the five-day workshop, participants will be provided with extensive knowledge by experts on the subject of handling of nuclear and other radioactive materials with safety. The theoretical and practical information will be highly beneficial for the participants, therefore, they must not hesitate to ask questions and network to develop mutual cooperation.”
Prof. (Dr.) Alpana Goel, Director and Head, Amity Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology, said, “With the increasing role of nuclear science in medicine, agriculture, industries, and India’s expanding nuclear energy program, the use of Nuclear and Radioactive materials is expected to increase, thus, underscoring the vital role of national security agencies in effectively responding to emergencies such as accidental releases, illicit trafficking, and potential misuse by unauthorized entities.”