On May 26, 2023, Kiren Rijiju, the Union minister for Earth Sciences visited the NCPOR (National Center for Polar and Ocean Research) and stressed the need of undertaking, enhancing and expanding research activities in the Himalayan Regions of India.
During his visit to the NCPOR in Vasco, Goa, he also battled for the scientific approach to life and said that the scientific community would guide India in the following years. The former law minister who recently took charge of the Earth Sciences Ministry interacted with an Indian team of researchers in Antarctica.
He stressed the fact that the Himalayas belong to India and that there is little activity in the mountain range. Pointing out, he said that he belongs to Arunachal Pradesh which has the largest area of the Indian Himalayas and not much activity has happened there.
“We are yet to get to the position where we deserve to be, so the Himalayas is another very-very interesting area,” he said. According to him, “The Geological features of the Himalayas resemble ocean beds, all the sand, stones and everything. I just see the way in which the pictures of rocks at the bottom of the ocean,” he said.
Additionally, he said that he has seen changes in the Himalayas during his own lifetime. “In a lifespan of fifty years, if you see so many changes, you can very well imagine the level of changes in the next thousand years,” he said.
“Scientists are the ones who will guide us on how we should progress, how the nation must look forward and how our lifestyle should be,” the minister said.
Kiren asserted the need to conduct this research in the Himalayas because it has immense potential and demands further exploration. Addressing the NCPOR scientists, and staff, Kiren also highlighted the growing aspirations of the Indian People and India’s increasing prominence on the global stage.
According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, “Recognizing NCPOR and its contribution to scientific advancements, the minister lauded the successful expedition team currently in Antarctica and expressed his enthusiasm to interact with them upon their return.”
“Throughout the day, a series of informative and engaging events were organised to showcase the crucial work carried out by this institution. A key highlight of the visit was an interactive session where the minister engaged virtually with the dedicated team stationed at Bharati Station in Antarctica,” the Ministry said.
The minister also expressed his belief in the transformative power of science and the need for a rational approach to addressing challenges. He assured the scientific community of his commitment to providing necessary resources and policies and supporting them in achieving their objectives.
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of creating awareness and visibility of for the work carried out by researchers and urged for increase and increment in public engagement and appreciation of scientific endeavours.
The Director of NCPOR, Dr Thamban Meloth, expressed his gratitude for Kiren Rijiju’s visit to the centre. He emphasised that conducting scientific research in polar regions requires exceptional skills in complex logistics and coordination among public institutions, agencies and departments.
He expressed confidence that NCPOR will make significant strides and elevate India’s reputation in polar and ocean research under Kiren’s leadership.
In a press release, the Union Minister’s visit included a virtual reality show of the Antarctic Region and a visit to the Ice Core Lab and Sophisticated Instrumentation Facility, where advanced research, infrastructure, and techniques utilised by NCPOR scientists were showcased.
The NCPOR is India’s premier research and development (R&D) institution. It is responsible for the country’s research activities in the polar and southern oceans. It is the nodal agency for planning, promotion, and execution of the entire polar gamut and southern ocean scientific research in the country and for associated logistical activities.
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