India has invited countries that were part of undivided India to celebrate the IMD’s 150th anniversary, with events planned to honor its historical contribution to meteorology. Pakistan has confirmed attendance, while Bangladesh is yet to respond. The IMD was founded in 1875 and has evolved into a leading meteorological organization, showcasing India’s technological advancements in weather monitoring and forecasting.
The Government of India has extended invitations to all countries that were part of undivided India, including Pakistan, to partake in the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Countries invited include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, along with guests from the Middle East and Southwest Asia. As of now, Pakistan has confirmed its presence, while Bangladesh’s participation remains unconfirmed.
A senior IMD official stated, “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.” The event will feature various festivities, including marathons, exhibitions, and workshops, with a special Rs 150 commemorative coin approved by the Ministry of Finance. Notably, the IMD will present its tableau in the Republic Day parade for the first time.
Established in 1875 during the British colonial period, the IMD is celebrating its milestone anniversary on January 15, 2023. It was founded following significant weather events, such as a cyclone that struck Calcutta in 1864 and multiple monsoon failures in subsequent years. Initially modest in scope, the IMD has burgeoned into a significant entity in weather forecasting and meteorological research, including pioneering technological advancements like India’s first message-switching computer for data exchange and the early adoption of electronic computers in the field.
India made history as the first developing nation to deploy a geostationary satellite, INSAT, to ensure constant weather monitoring and cyclone alerts. This evolution reflects both a response to historical weather crises and an ongoing commitment to scientific innovation in meteorology.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was established in 1875 in response to the growing need for a systematic approach to understanding and predicting weather patterns in India. Its inception followed a devastating cyclone in 1864 and subsequent monsoon failures, which underscored the necessity of a dedicated meteorological service. Over the decades, the IMD has transformed from a basic weather monitoring organization to an advanced institution equipped with modern technology to forecast weather and respond to natural disasters. The upcoming celebration marks not only a historic milestone for the IMD but also signifies regional cooperation and shared heritage among the nations once part of undivided India.
The invitation extended by the Government of India to neighboring countries for the IMD’s 150th-anniversary celebration illustrates a desire for unity and collaboration rooted in shared history. As the IMD commemorates its legacy of weather forecasting and technological innovation, the inclusion of representatives from various countries reinforces the importance of collective efforts in addressing climate-related challenges. This significant event highlights the evolving role of the IMD and India’s advancements in meteorology over the last 150 years.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
