The National Association of Radioisotopes and Radiation in Industry (NAARRI), since its foundation in 1976, has come a long way in establishing itself as a premier professional association in promoting and accelerating the application of radioisotopes and radiation technology in various sectors.
Founded in 1976 by Dr. V.K. Iya, the doyen of isotope programme in the country, NAARRI was envisioned as a bridge between the Department of Atomic Energy and industry. Guided by stalwarts like Dr. R. Chidambaram, Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Shri. S. K. Sharma, Dr. Dinshaw, Dr. Baldev Raj just to name a few of the luminaries, it has grown into a professional body of over 1500 life members and 60 institutions, with strong credibility across India and the Asia-Pacific region.
Radiation applications promoted by NAARRI have had a profound impact on healthcare. From sterilization of medical products to creating awareness about cancer diagnosis and therapeutic procedures, its initiatives have directly enhanced safety and treatment outcomes. These healthcare contributions remain its most visible legacy, even as radiation technologies also led to phenomenal contribution in diverse sectors for the benefit of food security, clean water, and industrial innovation.
NAARRI has consistently advanced awareness and safe practices through training courses, workshops, seminars and management induction programmes tailored to industry and healthcare needs. Its flagship event, NICSTAR, has become a premier global platform. The recently concluded NICSTAR-2026 in Mumbai, themed “Radiation Applications: Diverse, Mature and Sustainable,” convened scientists, technocrats, regulators, and industry leaders to chart future pathways in (healthcare)and beyond.
The association’s strength lies in its credible industry linkages and collaborations with regulators, ensuring radiation technologies are deployed safely and effectively. Initiatives such as the publication Safety, Security and Regulations in Handling Radiation Sources highlight its commitment to responsible practice.
With Mr. P. J. Chandy as its proactive secretary, NAARRI’s Golden Jubilee is not just a celebration of past achievements but a reaffirmation of its mission: to serve the nation through science and innovation, with cancer care as a central pillar of its impact.
Tracing the evolution and growth of NAARRI, Mr. Chandy recalled its humble beginnings in a single room at the isotope division of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. He explained how the organisation, true to its mission, has consistently worked to create awareness about the peaceful use of nuclear energy, particularly promoting the applications of radioisotopes and radiation. “In the earlier days, there was considerable apprehension about the use of nuclear energy downsides of radiation. Thanks to various programmes organised by NAARRI, through the length and Breth of the country, these misgivings have gradually evaporated.
In 1989, I took the initiative to organise a programme at Vaze College in Mulund during the centenary celebration of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, wherein 600 people from different academic discipline, including P.G. students and professors, participated.”
Mr. Chandy further noted, “Dr. R. Chidambaram, the then Director of BARC, who presided as the chief guest, was so impressed with this programme and encouraged us to continue with similar programmes and go beyond seminars and conferences. He impressed upon us that the real challenge was to remove apprehensions and fears about radiation and to demonstrate how it could be channelised towards constructive and peaceful uses. The first such endeavour outside Mumbai was held in Kerala in 1995 at my alma mater at Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara. Around (1400) people from across the state, including Shri. P. J. Kurien, Shri. P.M. Sayeed, both ministers of the Govt. of India, Dr. V.K. Iya and many senior dignitaries from Science & Technology took part, generating tremendous enthusiasm.”
Mr. Chandy said, he has initiated nation-wide awareness programmes for dispelling the unfounded fears about radiation. This programme helped the academicians, research institutions and industries in the country to come together and take up collaborative activities in the field of radiation technology. It also helped in motivating and guiding large number of youngsters to take up careers in radiation technology and many entrepreneurs to venture into this field.
He added that sustained efforts are being made through programmes like NICSTAR, with overseas bodies like IIA (International Irradiation Association, UK), CIRA (China Isotope and Radiation Association), KARA (Korean Association for Radiation Application), etc. having similar objectives.
Memorandums of Understanding are being signed with the above association to take the mission forward.
“The Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been always supporting and participating in our endeavours, which is a recognition of great significance,” he concluded.
