Commemorating 150 Years of the India Meteorological Department: A Call to Former Regions of Undivided India
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is celebrating its 150th anniversary, inviting nations formerly part of undivided India, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, to join the festivities. The celebrations will feature various events and a commemorative coin. The IMD has evolved from its inception in 1875 into a leader in weather forecasting and technological innovation, showcasing its developments during the Republic Day parade.
The Indian government has extended invitations to numerous nations, including Pakistan, which were formerly part of undivided India, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Additionally, invites were dispatched to Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Officials from various countries in the Middle East and Southwest Asia also received invitations to participate in the celebrations. Notably, Pakistan has confirmed its attendance while Bangladeshi officials have yet to respond. A senior IMD official remarked, “We wanted officials from all countries which were part of undivided India at the time of IMD’s establishment to be part of the celebrations.” In preparation for the festivities, the Ministry of Finance has approved the issuance of a special commemorative coin valued at Rs 150. The celebrations encompass diverse events including marathons, exhibitions, workshops, and Olympiads, promising a vivid representation of India’s dynamic climate. Furthermore, the IMD will debut its tableau during the Republic Day parade for the first time. Established in 1875 during the British colonial period, the IMD was created following devastating cyclones in the mid-1860s. What started as a modest organization has flourished into a leader in weather forecasting, communication, and scientific advancement. Historically, the IMD issued weather advisories via telegrams, subsequently becoming a technology pioneer by introducing India’s initial message-switching computer for global data transmission and one of the first electronic computers for meteorological analysis. India also achieved a significant milestone as the first developing nation to launch the geostationary satellite INSAT to facilitate continuous weather surveillance and cyclone warnings.
The 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) highlights its crucial role in weather forecasting in India, spanning over a century of advancements and innovation. Founded in 1875, the IMD’s establishment was a response to severe climatic events that necessitated improved weather communication. Over the years, the IMD has transitioned from a rudimentary setup to a sophisticated organization leveraging technology for accurate weather predictions and alerts. The gathering of officials from former regions of undivided India underscores the importance of historical connections and the collaborative spirit among neighboring countries in preparing for future climatic challenges.
In conclusion, the invitation extended by the Indian government to various nations that were once part of undivided India illustrates an effort to commemorate the milestone of the IMD’s 150th year and foster regional unity over shared climatic concerns. The upcoming celebrations not only honor the history and achievements of the IMD but also mark a dedication to future advancements in meteorological science and international cooperation.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
