Union Minister of State Independent Charge for Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh today felicitated scientists and researchers associated with India’s flagship Deep Ocean Mission at a special ceremony held at Prithvi Bhawan in New Delhi. The scientists were honoured following their invitation as Special Guests to witness the Republic Day Parade 2026, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to India’s scientific and technological advancement in deep-sea exploration.
The felicitation programme was organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to mark the achievements of the Deep Ocean Mission. The Ministry also hosted a lunch in honour of the scientists and researchers. Interacting with the gathering, the Union Minister commended the teams for their sustained commitment, innovation and scientific rigour, noting that their work has placed India among a select group of nations with advanced capabilities in deep-ocean research and exploration.
The Minister said that the Deep Ocean Mission reflects India’s growing strength in frontier science and technology and underlines the importance of indigenous research in achieving national strategic and developmental objectives. He added that the presence of Deep Ocean Mission scientists as Special Guests at the Republic Day celebrations symbolised the nation’s recognition of science and scientists as key drivers of India’s future.
In a message on the occasion, Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences M Ravichandran extended his congratulations to the scientists and researchers. He described the honour as a moment of collective pride for the Ministry, noting that it was the first time the Ministry of Earth Sciences had been invited as Special Guests to the Republic Day ceremony. He highlighted that over the past 19 years, the Ministry has played a crucial role in strengthening national capabilities in weather forecasting, climate services, ocean and polar research, and geosciences, contributing directly to national resilience and sustainable development.
The scientists and researchers expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the objectives of the Deep Ocean Mission. They underscored their resolve to continue advancing scientific knowledge, technological innovation and mission-oriented research in support of national priorities.
The event was attended by Director General of India Meteorological Department Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, along with other senior dignitaries, scientists and researchers from diverse domains including biotechnology, space, atomic energy and startups, reflecting the broad-based and interdisciplinary nature of India’s scientific ecosystem.
