The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred the prestigious National Geoscience Awards (NGA) for the year 2023 at a grand ceremony held today at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi.
The event was honored with the presence of prominent dignitaries, including Shri G. Kishan Reddy, the Minister of Coal and Mines, and Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, the Minister of State for Coal and Mines.
During this remarkable ceremony, 12 awards were presented to 21 geoscientists, comprising academicians and professionals from various fields of geosciences.
Apart from the National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement, which went to one recipient, the awards also recognized 10 other notable winners and one young geoscientist.
Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee, Emeritus Scientist at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), received the National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement for his distinguished contribution to phosphorites and isotope geology.
His extensive research has significantly advanced the field, particularly concerning the Himalayas and the global genesis of phosphorites.
Dr. Ashutosh Pandey from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, was awarded the National Young Geoscientist Award for groundbreaking research on the Eastern Dharwar Craton.
His work suggested alternative models concerning the formation of Lesser Himalayan mafic rocks, underscoring his contribution to the field.
Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, elaborated on the evolution of the National Geoscience Awards, emphasizing their significance since their inception in 1966.
Rao highlighted the introduction of new domains within geoscience and mentioned the central government's emphasis on offshore mineral exploration.
He also discussed the launch of the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) portal, aiming to consolidate geoscientific data for improved accessibility and usage.
Further remarks were made by Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, who reiterated the indispensable role geoscientists play in national development and commended awardees for their contributions.
He emphasized the Critical Mineral Mission's importance, aimed at securing domestic production and international assets related to minerals.
Minister G. Kishan Reddy congratulated the awardees and highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing India's mining sector through legislative amendments.
These amendments target the auction of 24 strategic minerals, with 14 blocks already auctioned, as part of efforts to expedite exploration and secure mineral supply chains.
President Murmu's address instilled optimism, focusing on India's path toward self-sufficiency and sustainable development by 2047.
She expressed satisfaction with the integration of geoscientific data and the adoption of AI technologies for exploration.
Her vision emphasized achieving Net Zero Carbon Emission and the establishment of the National Critical Minerals Mission.
She also stressed the importance of the National Landslide Forecasting Centre to issue real-time warnings about landslides.
The President appealed to the youth, urging them to explore the fields of geo-tourism and geo-heritage, which open pathways to careers in geosciences.
This year's National Geoscience Awards symbolize recognition for exceptional achievements, fueling progress and sustainable practices within geosciences.
Through these awards, India acknowledges its geoscientists' unyielding efforts toward discovery and innovation, indicating the significance of continuing research and excellence.
