Harness the power of the atom
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On August 6, 1945, the world’s first atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. This was the first bomb to be used against humans.
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Photos: AP and AFP
Atomic destruction: The mushroom cloud; A-Bomb Dome at the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima.
There was a great sense of unease when the mighty USS Nimitz, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was to arrive in Chennai. It was the ‘nuclear’ angle that caused concern. USS Nimitz was berthed 16 km away from Chennai port.
During World War II, August 6, 1945, the world’s first atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima in Japan. This was the first bomb to be used against humans. Science and technology unleashed the power of the atom and brought sudden death and immense destruction. August 6 is Hiroshima Day.
Atoms for peace
Development of nuclear weapons continues even today despite the severe jolt that the Hiroshima bombing caused to humanity. On the brighter side, researchers are working extensively on peaceful applications of nuclear technology ranging from beneficial crop mutation to treatment of cancer. In industry, radioisotopes are used for measuring microscopic thicknesses and detecting defects in structures. Archaeologists use nuclear techniques to date prehistoric objects accurately. An important use has been to generate electricity. In India, nuclear power plants with a generation capacity of 4120 MWe are already in operation in eight states.
August 15 will mark our 60th Independence Day. A good time to remember India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who said, “We live in an age of great revolutionary changes brought about by the advancement of science and technology. Therein lies hope for the world and also the danger of sudden death.” The onus to use nuclear technology for human good rests on all countries.
Act Now
Appreciate the importance of Hiroshima Day. Develop an understanding of the threats that nuclear weapons pose to humanity. Raise awareness on the impact of proliferation and use of nuclear weapons. Let us harness the power of the atom for the benefit of human kind.
Children’s Media Unit, Centre for Environment Education. www.kidsrgreen.org
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