Nuclear Energy and the Need for Education-A Perspective

India’s Big Nuclear Energy Plan

In the 2025–26 Union Budget, the Government of India announced a major step for clean energy. ₹20,000 crore has been set aside for the Nuclear Energy Mission. This plan includes building at least five Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033. It also aims to increase country's nuclear power capacity from about 8 GW today to 100 GW by the year 2047. It means more clean electricity to power our cities, industries, and homes.

Why Education Should Be Part of the Mission

The mission focuses on building reactors and increasing power supply. There is another very important part that must not be ignored, nuclear education. For nuclear energy to grow safely and successfully in India, we need people who understand how it works. That includes teachers/professors, scientists, engineers, and technicians and also the students, and last but not the least general public. As, Dr. Homi Bhabha, the father of India’s nuclear program, once said: “No power is as expensive as no power.” To avoid energy shortages in the future, we must invest in both technology and knowledge today.

Learning About Nuclear Energy Really Matters

Nuclear energy is powerful. But many people are not sure. Many are afraid of it. This fear is mainly due to the lack of knowledge. We need to learn how nuclear power works. How it produces electricity? How it is kept safe? How it helps the environment? If we know all this, we can all better understand its benefits and risks. Younger students especially have a big role to play. They are the future scientists, engineers, and decision-makers of India. If you learn about nuclear energy today, you can help build a smarter and more energy-secure tomorrow for the country following the idea of "वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्".

.

What Should Be Done?

Students generally ask me about, in what way, the Nuclear Energy Mission fund should be used to support education and awareness. This simply requires:

• Adding nuclear topics to school and college curriculums

• Creating science clubs and workshops

• Giving scholarships and training for students interested in nuclear science

• There were a few half hearted initiatives taken a few years back but stopped mid way.

• Organizing public talks and educational videos for everyone to be understandable.

• Bringing back a culture of nuclear physics teaching with relatable experimentation is essential. This will the be the back bone of "Mega Science Vision–2035: Accelerator S&T and Applications – A Roadmap Prepared by the Indian Accelerator S&T Community”, released in 2024.

  
  

We all know Marie Curie, she once said “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” That is why learning about nuclear energy is so important, for proper understanding, not fearing.

The Importance of Experimental Training in Nuclear Physics

Experimental training in nuclear physics is essential for a complete and meaningful understanding of the subject. Classroom learning provide theoretical models and give the groundwork. But through hands-on experiments students learn the behavior of nuclear particles and nuclear radiation. Working directly with radiation detectors, radioactive sources, and data analysis helps to observe physical principles in action. This develop practical skills, and build scientific confidence. This kind of training is important for academic growth. It is crucial for careers in nuclear research, energy production, medical physics, radiation safety etc. Without experimental exposure to nuclear physics experiments, the study of nuclear physics remains incomplete and far from real-world applications.

We need to Grow Together—With Knowledge

Building nuclear reactors is important. But building knowledge is just as important. When people know how something works, they are less afraid of it. Then they are more ready to accept it and use it wisely. India’s energy future depends not just on technology, but on educated minds, who can take it forward. Whether you're a student, teacher, or just curious, now is the time to learn, ask questions, and get involved in the journey of nuclear energy.

Stay tuned with Atomic Explores: Suggestions are welcome...

For more info keep exploring: https://www.atomicexplorers.com/