The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today visited the CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) in Panaji, Goa.

Addressing scientists, researchers and students at the Institute, the Vice-President said that for Bharat, with a coastline of nearly 11,000 kilometres, the ocean was not merely a resource but a living ecosystem to respect and protect. He observed that India’s seas were not boundaries separating the country from the world, but bridges connecting it to global trade, energy security, economic prosperity and strategic strength.

Highlighting India’s maritime heritage, the Vice President noted that for centuries the Indian Ocean had shaped India’s civilisation, with ancient Indian traders, scholars and navigators building cultural and economic ties across the seas.

Praising the work of CSIR-NIO, the Vice-President said the Institute had remained one of India’s premier scientific institutions for nearly six decades. Through its research, innovation and exploration, the Institute was helping Bharat become more self-reliant and future-ready, he added.

The Vice-President also appreciated the Government’s efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in strengthening international scientific cooperation. Referring to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between CSIR and the Research Council of Norway, he said the partnership would promote research, innovation, technology development and capacity building. He added that Indian research institutions must continuously learn from globally advanced systems and keep pace with international scientific standards.

Referring to the growing challenges of climate change, rising sea levels, marine pollution, biodiversity loss and microplastics, the Vice President said coastal communities across the world were becoming increasingly vulnerable. He emphasised that development could not come at the cost of nature and remarked that oceanography was no longer limited to scientific exploration, but had become essential for protecting humanity’s future and building a sustainable, secure and prosperous world. Stressing the importance of responsible innovation, he said scientific progress must always be guided by compassion, sustainability and responsibility.

Highlighting India’s future-oriented initiatives, the Vice President said programmes such as the Deep Ocean Mission, Blue Economy initiatives, Green Hydrogen Mission and renewable energy partnerships reflected a nation thinking boldly about the future.

Referring to India’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President said India’s scientific advancements had helped not only its own citizens but also many developing countries, reflecting the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. He remarked that while many pursued patents, India chose to serve humanity, adding that if India grows stronger, humanity would be in safer hands.

Addressing young researchers and students, the Vice President urged them to dream fearlessly and work tirelessly. Drawing inspiration from the life of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, he said true excellence often emerged from deep personal interest and dedication to a subject. He emphasised that institutions and senior mentors should encourage and nurture such talent.

The Vice-President expressed confidence that the next breakthrough in climate solutions, marine biotechnology, renewable energy or ocean conservation could emerge from the young minds present at the Institute. He also said that one among them might one day lead India’s future missions into the deepest oceans of the world.

During the visit, the Vice-President toured various laboratories and the research and technology exhibition showcasing the Institute’s major projects and scientific initiatives. He also released a coffee table book titled “A Diamond Legacy of Oceanographic Excellence”.

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PR/ASM/VMJ