Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) celebrated its 34^th Foundation Day on Monday, 20^th February 2017. Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar, Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was the Chief Guest of the function. Dr. P. A. Naik, Director, RRCAT, presided over the function. S.C. Joshi, Head, Proton Linac & Superconducting Cavities Division welcomed the gathering. Dr. S. B. Roy, Head, Materials and Advanced Accelerator Sciences Division proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was conducted by Shri S. V. Nakhe, Head, Laser Systems Engineering Division.

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Dr. P. A. Naik presented an overview of the scientific activities of the centre and highlighted the important achievements accomplished during the last one year. He informed that both Indus-1 and Indus-2 Synchrotron Radiation Sources are functioning very well and in the calendar year 2016, total of 639 experiments were set up by researchers and students using the beam lines. Currently 19 beam lines are operating and another seven are under constructions. 31 new protein structures solved using the protein crystallography beamline have been added to the Protein Data Bank (PDB). He also highlighted contributions made by RRCAT for various programmes of DAE, including for nuclear power plants by carrying out laser cutting in hazardous conditions. Dr. Naik also talked about future projects of RRCAT, including Indian Spallation Neutron Source (ISNS) and various international collaborations. RRCAT is embarking on a new collaboration under the LIGO India framework for explorations in the field of gravitational waves. He also talked about various other major achievements and endeavours of RRCAT during the last one year, particularly about Laser Additive Manufacturing, Laser Markers & Laser Instruments. Dr. Naik also underlined the role of RRCAT in Indian Space Program and briefly mentioned about certain calibrations carried out for Chandrayan-1 and Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission).

Shri A. S. Kiran Kumar addressed the capacity packed gathering of staff member of RRCAT and delivered a captivating talk on the achievements and challenges of space programme of India. He scanned the journey from the early years to the latest launch of PSLV C37 on 15th February 2017 carrying Cartosat-2 along with 103 smaller satellites. Shri Kiran Kumar explained the accuracy required for space missions and how indigenous development has helped Indian space program to achieve bigger and higher goals. Shri Kiran Kumar emphasised the importance of industry participation in the space programme of India and also discussed various technologies developed by Department of Space. Shri Kiran Kumar also visited various laboratories in RRCAT and interacted with scientists and engineers. One special session of interaction with students and research fellows was also organised, which was attended by an enthusiastic gathering.