New Delhi, June 6: Vikram Misri, the Foreign Secretary and a member of the Atomic Energy Commission, visited the Bharatiya Nabhikiy Vidyut Nigam Limited (Bhavini) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras on World Environment Day, June 5. The visit was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, on Saturday.
At Bhavini, Misri engaged with scientists and officials, gaining insights into the progress of India’s cutting-edge 500 megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR). On this occasion, he also planted a Bakul (Moulshree) sapling at the Bhavini campus to commemorate World Environment Day.
On the same day, Misri served as the chief guest at the degree distribution ceremony for international students at IIT Madras. Students from various countries were honored for their academic achievements during the event.
In his address, Vikram Misri congratulated all graduating students and wished them success in their future endeavors. He stated, “Today, the world is undergoing rapid technological changes, making the role of youth extremely important.”
He urged students to utilize the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained at IIT Madras to address the challenges facing humanity and contribute to the development of countries in the Global South.
Earlier, on April 6, 2026, a significant milestone was achieved in India’s nuclear energy program when the 500 megawatt electric capacity Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor successfully attained first criticality. This stage marks the beginning of controlled nuclear fission within the reactor.
This achievement is considered a crucial step towards India’s long-term energy security. The technology and design of this reactor were developed entirely in India, with the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research serving as a major research and development hub under the Department of Atomic Energy. Bhavini, a public sector undertaking under the same department, is responsible for its construction and operation.
Fast breeder reactors are a vital component of India’s long-term nuclear energy strategy. Unlike traditional thermal reactors, they utilize uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel. This technology not only enhances energy production efficiency but also increases fuel utilization capacity, paving the way for better use of energy resources in the future.
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