In an exemplary exercise of diplomatic courtesy, India invited several nations to participate in the historical seminar, as part of its ‘Undivided India’ project to mark 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The ‘Undivided India’ seminar focuses on celebrating shared history from the Indian subcontinent and encourages regional cooperation.
Participants from South Asia and Beyond
India has sent out invitations to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. It has also extended invitations to the representatives of countries in the Middle East and Central and Southwest Asia. While Pakistan has confirmed, Bangladesh has not replied, and joining it would mean a major stride towards bringing both countries closer to each other.
We wanted officials from all countries that were part of undivided India at the time of IMD’s establishment to be a part of the celebrations,” said a top IMD official.
Celebrating 150 Years of IMD’s Contribution to Weather Science
The IMD was established on January 15, 1875, and has played a pivotal role in the scientific development of meteorology in the region. The department was established following devastating weather events such as the 1864 Calcutta cyclone, which led to widespread famine and loss of life. Recognizing the need for coordinated weather data collection and analysis, the British Raj established the IMD.
Over the years, from being a modest department with a few observatories, the institute has attained status as a leader in weather forecasting and climate research. It was one of the first agencies in the world to use message-switching computers for global weather data exchange and collaborated with ISRO in launching the INSAT satellite, the first geostationary satellite for continuous observation in India.
Special Initiatives to Commemorate IMD’s Milestone:
The Government of India is making the event memorable through contributions from various ministries to mark this milestone. The Finance Ministry is going to release a special commemorative coin of Rs 150, and the Home Ministry has agreed to present a tableaux during the Republic Day celebrations, which would exhibit IMD’s 150 years of service to the nation.
A History Rooted in the Subcontinent
The IMD’s history stretches back to the early 19th century when the British East India Company established weather observatories in various parts of the subcontinent. The first observatories were established in Calcutta (1785), Madras (1796), and Bombay (1826), forming the foundation for the IMD.
Since its inception, the IMD has been headquartered in multiple locations, including Shimla, Pune, and, since 1944, New Delhi.
Inviting the neighboring countries to join in celebrating IMD’s 150th anniversary is a big step forward for India in the spirit of cooperation and shared history. As the IMD continues to lead the charge in weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, its rich legacy reminds the importance of regional collaboration in addressing common challenges posed by weather and climate.