Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 150th Foundation Day of India Meteorological Department (IMD) on January 14, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. In his address, he lauded IMD for its remarkable journey of 150 years, symbolizing India’s scientific and technological progress. He highlighted department's significant contributions to millions of lives and released a commemorative postage stamp and coin to honour its achievements. A vision document, outlining IMD's roadmap for 2047, was also launched.
Modi expressed his excitement about the National Meteorological Olympiad, which IMD organized to engage the youth, encouraging their interest in meteorology.
Noting that IMD was founded on January 15, 1875, close to Makar Sankranti, Modi linked department’s establishment to India’s traditions. He explained that Makar Sankranti signifies sun’s northward shift and plays a crucial role in agricultural preparations. Prime Minister shared his fondness for the festival, especially as a Gujarati, and extended greetings to citizens celebrating it.
Prime Minister commended IMD for its technological advancements over the past decade, including deployment of Doppler Weather Radars, Automatic Weather Stations, and supercomputers like Ark and Arunika, which have enhanced forecasting accuracy.
Launching the ambitious 'Mission Mausam,' Modi outlined a vision for making India a "Weather-ready and Climate-smart" nation. This initiative aims to enhance weather surveillance, improve atmospheric observations, and leverage next-generation technologies to mitigate climate change impacts. He also highlighted the benefits of IMD’s initiatives, such as Meghdoot app and lightning warnings, which have transformed weather communication for farmers, fishermen, and the general public.
Modi underscored the critical role of meteorology in disaster management, crediting the IMD’s accurate predictions for reducing casualties during cyclones and enhancing resilience against natural disasters. He also acknowledged India’s role as a global leader in providing meteorological support to neighboring countries, strengthening its image as a dependable partner.
Reflecting on India’s rich history of meteorological knowledge, Prime Minister spoke about ancient texts like Vedas and Brihat Samhita. He called for integrating this wisdom with modern science to address contemporary challenges. Prime Minister concluded by urging scientists and researchers to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring IMD’s data and forecasts remain indispensable across sectors.
The celebrations included exhibitions, workshops, and discussions showcasing IMD's journey and its pivotal role in building a climate-resilient India. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Celeste Saulo were among the dignitaries present.
Modi concluded by expressing confidence that India will continue to play a crucial role in global weather and climate management. He congratulated IMD and its scientists for their contributions to the nation’s progress.
