The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to commemorate its 150 years with a grand celebration featuring representatives from countries that were part of undivided India.
Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have been invited to join the festivities.
"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," IMD Chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said.
While Pakistan has confirmed its participation, Bangladesh is yet to confirm. The celebrations include a special Rs 150 commemorative coin, along with various events such as marathons, exhibitions, workshops, and olympiads.
For the first time, IMD will also feature its tableau in the Republic Day parade.
Born in 1875 during the British era, IMD will turn 150 on January 15. Initially established following a cyclone that devastated Calcutta in 1864, IMD has grown into a leader in weather forecasting, scientific research, and technological innovation.
In the early days, IMD relied on telegrams for weather warnings.
Later, it became a technological innovator, introducing India’s first message-switching computer for global data exchange and an early electronic computer for meteorological research.
India also became the first developing country to launch its own geostationary satellite, INSAT, for continuous weather monitoring and cyclone alerts.
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