Panaji-Goa 8 April, 2026

 

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, celebrated its 26th Foundation Day on 2nd and 6th April 2026, marking over two decades of India’s leadership in polar and ocean research and reaffirming its commitment to advancing scientific understanding of Earth’s most extreme environments.

The celebrations commenced on 2nd April at the Prithvi Auditorium with Prof. Shekhar C. Mande, President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and former Director General of CSIR, gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his Foundation Day Lecture on “Role of Science in Viksit Bharat,” Prof. Mande talked about the transformative role of science and innovation in nation-building. He said that sustained investment in scientific research and institutions like NCPOR is critical for addressing global challenges such as climate change and for positioning India as a knowledge-driven global leader.

The main ceremony, held on 6th April, was attended by Dr. Prem Chand Pandey, Founding Director, NCPOR  along with other dignitaries including Dr. Rasik Ravindra, Former Director, NCAOR and Chairman of RAC (Research Advisory Committee); Dr. S. Rajan, Former Director, NCAOR; Dr. Suman Kundu, Director of BITS Pilani, Goa Campus; Dr. M. Sudhakar, Former Director, CMLRE; Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR, and Dr. Rahul Mohan, Group Director, Polar Sciences, NCPOR.

Speaking on the theme, “A Legacy of Leadership in Polar and Ocean Exploration — Inspiring the Future,” Dr. Thamban Meloth highlighted the institute’s transformation from an Antarctic-focused programme into a globally respected research institution operating across the Arctic, Himalayas, Southern Ocean, and deep-sea domains. He outlined a forward-looking vision centred on integrated earth system science, linking the poles, oceans, and Himalayas, along with enhanced use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation, and the planned induction of a new Polar Research Vessel.

Reflecting on India’s scientific journey, Dr. Rasik Ravindra said that the country’s Antarctic programme has evolved from survival-driven expeditions to globally recognised scientific endeavours, with NCPOR now playing a crucial role in international polar governance.

Dr. S. Rajan praised the institute’s remarkable growth and urged young researchers to take pride in their work and actively showcase India’s scientific achievements on global platforms. Dr. M. Sudhakar highlighted NCPOR’s evolution from modest beginnings into a leading scientific institution and emphasised the importance of developing deep expertise in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Dr. Rahul Mohan talked about the importance of strengthening interdisciplinary research and sustaining India’s active engagement in global scientific collaborations, while Dr. Suman Kundu highlighted the significance of the MoU signed between BITS Pilani Goa and NCPOR on 7 January 2026, which aims to foster innovation in areas such as marine biology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-performance computing, and deep ocean exploration, thereby strengthening the academia–research interface.

A key highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the NCPOR Awards 2025, including the Outstanding Early Career Researcher (ECR) Paper Awards to Dr. Biswajit Roy and Ms. Swati M., along with Outstanding Contribution Awards recognising the dedicated efforts of scientific, administrative, and support staff.

The celebrations also featured vibrant outreach and engagement activities, including a “Polar Fest”, immersive Science on a Sphere (SOS) shows, and a cultural programme titled “Rhythms Beyond Research,” attracting over 600 participants.

Over the past 26 years, NCPOR has played a pivotal role in advancing India’s polar and ocean research, managing research stations—Maitri and Bharati in Antarctica, Himadri in the Arctic, and Himansh in the Himalayas—and contributing significantly to global scientific knowledge in climate science, glaciology, oceanography, and polar ecosystems.

 

PIB-Panaji,Goa | Riyas Babu/ Priti Malandkar

 

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