Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, today hosted a special felicitation ceremony at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi, to honour scientists and researchers associated with India’s pioneering Deep Ocean Mission (DOM). These distinguished experts were invited by the Government of India as Special Guests to witness the Republic Day Parade 2026, recognising their outstanding contributions to India’s scientific and technological advancement.
The event celebrated the growing impact of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in strengthening India’s capabilities in ocean exploration, climate science and geosciences.
Deep Ocean Mission Positions India at the Forefront of Marine Research
Interacting with the scientists during the ceremony, Dr Jitendra Singh lauded their relentless pursuit of knowledge, innovation and excellence, stating that the Deep Ocean Mission represents a transformative step in India’s scientific journey. He emphasised that advanced ocean research will play a crucial role in future domains such as:
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Climate resilience
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Marine biodiversity conservation
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Resource exploration
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Strategic technology development
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National self-reliance in critical sciences
A special lunch was hosted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to mark the occasion and celebrate the collective achievement of the scientific community.
Secretary MoES Highlights 19 Years of Service to the Nation
In a congratulatory message, Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, described the occasion as a moment of historic pride. He noted that for the first time, the Ministry of Earth Sciences was represented as a special guest at the Republic Day ceremony.
He highlighted the Ministry’s contributions over the past 19 years in strengthening national capabilities across key domains including:
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Weather forecasting
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Climate services
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Ocean and polar research
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Geosciences
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Disaster resilience
He reaffirmed that the Deep Ocean Mission symbolises India’s emergence as a serious global player in advanced scientific exploration.
Scientific Community Reaffirms Commitment to National Missions
The honoured scientists and researchers expressed their gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the long-term objectives of the Deep Ocean Mission. Their participation as Republic Day Special Guests was seen as an acknowledgement of the crucial role played by science, innovation and research in nation-building.
The event was attended by several eminent personalities including Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of IMD, along with senior dignitaries, scientists and researchers from diverse fields such as biotechnology, space, atomic energy and startups.
Celebrating Science as a Pillar of National Progress
The felicitation ceremony reflected the Government’s growing emphasis on recognising scientific excellence and encouraging young researchers to contribute to national priorities. The Deep Ocean Mission stands as a symbol of India’s ambition, technological capability and commitment to frontier science.
Conclusion
The recognition of Deep Ocean Mission scientists as Special Guests at Republic Day 2026 highlights India’s commitment to scientific excellence and innovation-driven development. By honouring the nation’s researchers, the Government reaffirms that science and technology will remain central to India’s journey towards self-reliance and global leadership.
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Source: PIB
