NCPOR commemorated its 26th Foundation Day in the esteemed presence of Prof. Shekhar C. Mande

NCPOR commemorated its 26th Foundation Day in the esteemed presence of Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, President of Indian National Science Academy. Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR, welcomed the Chief Guest and highlighted the institute’s key achievements over the past 26 years, while encouraging young scientists to actively contribute to advancing India’s polar research. In his address, Prof. Mande appreciated NCPOR’s significant role in advancing polar and ocean sciences and congratulated the institute on this milestone. The occasion also featured the screening of the film “NCPOR: 25 Years of Excellence,” underscoring the organisation’s sustained commitment to scientific excellence in the polar and ocean domains.

Prof. Shekhar C. Mande delivered an insightful lecture tracing India’s rich scientific legacy—from its foundations in the ancient era to significant advancements in the post-independence period. He highlighted the nation’s resilience and innovation in addressing contemporary challenges, including its response to the pandemic and achievements in space exploration. Emphasising the transformative phase of modern Indian science, Prof. Mande highlighted how sustained investments in research, innovation, and collaboration are driving the country toward the vision of Viksit Bharat, positioning India as a global leader in science and technology.

Prof. Shekhar C. Mande visited the Ice Core Laboratory at National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. India’s only dedicated facility for ice core research. During his visit, he reviewed the state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the −20°C storage chamber used to preserve invaluable Antarctic ice cores. The programme also featured an exclusive session on Science On a Sphere (SoS), showcasing advanced tools for visualising Earth system science.