New Delhi: The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, delivered a compelling message urging corporate leaders to actively support research and development, particularly focusing on disruptive technologies at the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at Vigyan Bhawan. Highlighting the pivotal role played by corporates in driving research initiatives in developed nations, the Vice-President emphasized the significance of leveraging disruptive technologies for disaster risk reduction and management.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony commemorating the 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) at Vigyan Bhawan, the Vice-President underscored IMD’s role as a crucial safety net safeguarding India’s national interest. Praising the precision and accuracy of IMD’s forecasts, Shri Dhankhar humorously expressed his hope for a day when IMD could predict the weather conditions in the two Houses of Parliament for the presiding officers.
Acknowledging IMD’s global influence, the Vice-President noted how India’s neighbors, including Bangladesh and Myanmar, rely on IMD’s expertise, as evident during events like cyclone Mocha. He emphasized the role of technological progress as a soft diplomacy tool, shaping international relationships through economic and technological advancements.
Shri Dhankhar commended IMD’s affirmative contributions to various facets of national life, from supporting farmers to ensuring border security. He highlighted IMD’s collaborations with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), enhancing its position as a leading meteorological department globally.
Expressing concerns about climate change, the Vice-President stressed the need for IMD to remain at the forefront of disaster reduction. He called for harnessing technology through public-private partnerships and research collaborations to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Shri Dhankhar lauded IMD’s role as a Regional and Global Centre for weather and climate forecasting, contributing to global safety and economic development.
Recognizing India’s position among nations advancing disruptive technologies, the Vice-President urged IMD to embrace cutting-edge technology such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data. He highlighted the department’s crucial role in utilizing technology for the nation’s benefit, urging constant innovation to solidify its position as a global leader.
As part of the event, the Vice-President released IMD’s theme song and inaugurated various initiatives, including the Decision Support System, Panchayat Mausam Seva, National Framework of Climate Services, and the department’s Mobile App.