The President of India,Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Geoscience Awards-2013 at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (April 6, 2015).Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the recipients of National Geoscience Awards and said that they have contributed to the growth of geo-sciences in our country through their inspirational and dedicated work.The President said that India, with a unique geological diversity, has played a significant role in the evolution of geo-sciences. India’s mineral and mining sector faces an acid test for sustaining the growth potential of our economy. Our mineral endowment poses both a challenge and an opportunity for geo-scientists. The Government is committed to promote research and development in this area. The geo-scientists should evolve an efficient work plan for development, conservation and augmentation of these precious mineral resources. They should put forward innovative ideas to achieve sustainable development of our country and at the same time address societal concerns.
The President said that the adverse impact of ecological degradation and climate change has emerged as a major concern the world over. No part of the globe is today immune from the menace of environmental disaster. There is a need for more objective research by the geo-scientific community in the field of disaster management to mitigate environmental hazards and ensure greater resilience to such adversities. Our geo-scientific organizations and other institutes have, over the last few decades, invested heavily in analytical and instrumental infrastructure. By making good use of these instruments, our scientists should accomplish significant outcomes to shape geo-science of the future. He expressed confidence that with dedication and enthusiasm, our geo-scientists would beat all odds and come out with flying colours.