Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 150th Foundation Day celebrations of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said the 150 years of IMD represent not just the journey of the department but also a proud journey of modern science and technology in India. He lauded IMD for serving millions of Indians over these one and a-half centuries and becoming a symbol of India’s scientific progress.
A commemorative postage stamp and coin were also released on Saturday to mark IMD’s achievements. Additionally, a vision document outlining the future of IMD in 2047 when India will celebrate 100 years of independence was also released. Modi greeted the citizens on this momentous occasion of 150 years of IMD.
Highlighting that IMD was set up on 15th January 1875, very close to Makar Sankranti, Modi said “We all know the importance of Makar Sankranti in India’s tradition”. He added that as a person hailing from Gujarat, his favourite festival used to be Makar Sankranti. Explaining further, Modi said Makar Sankranti marked the sun’s transition into Capricorn and its northward shift, known as Uttarayan. He added that this period signifies the gradual increase in sunlight in the northern hemisphere, leading to preparations for farming. The Prime Minister noted that Makar Sankranti is celebrated with various cultural expressions across India, from north to south and east to west. He extended his greetings to all citizens on this occasion.
Emphasizing that as IMD’s weather forecasts become more accurate, their importance will increase, the Prime Minister remarked that the demand for IMD’s data will grow across various sectors, industries, and even in everyday life. The Prime Minister highlighted the need to work with future requirements in mind, including developing warning systems for natural disasters like earthquakes. He encouraged scientists, research scholars, and institutions like IMD to work towards new breakthroughs. Concluding his address, Modi expressed confidence that India will play a crucial role in global service and security. He extended his congratulations to IMD and all those involved in meteorology on their 150-year journey.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, Professor Celeste Saulo, and Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) were present among other dignitaries at the event.
