August 2004 is a month of special significance for the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) of India. It is the month that DAE celebrates golden jubilee (50 years of anniversary). Formed in August 1954, DAE has now emerged as an integrated group of organizations where the chain activities involving research, development, demonstration and deployment is carried out.

Together with the BARC Founder's Day (30 October: the birth anniversary of Dr Homi Bhabha, the founder and architect of India's atomic energy programme), DAE foundation has been observed with great pride and enthusiasm. On the occasion of the 'Golden Jubilee' this year, DAE plans various commemorative events such as publication of special issue that embraces India's past, present and future milestones of atomic energy programme.

The DAE is a broad based multi-disciplinary organization engaged in development of nuclear power technology; applications of the radiation technologies in the fields of agriculture, medicine, industry, and basic research.