New Delhi: The National Geoscience Awards-2022 ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre witnessed the presentation of prestigious awards by the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, to deserving geoscientists. Instituted by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, these awards aim to honor individuals and teams for their extraordinary contributions to the diverse domains of geosciences.
In her address during the ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the broad spectrum of the geoscience field, which includes studying natural disasters like landslides, earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis. She emphasized the significance of Public Good Geosciences, as they play a crucial role in safeguarding a vast number of people from potential hazards.
The President underscored the vital role of mining in India’s economy, acknowledging its significant contribution to the nation’s economic development. She commended the progressive changes brought by the government in the mining sector over the past few years, leading to increased capacity and productivity.
Smt Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of a human-centric approach to mining, asserting that the path of science and development should prioritize the welfare of humanity. She appreciated Indian geologists for their important role in boosting India’s economy through the efficient use of minerals.
The President also drew attention to the growing significance of minerals like Rare Earth Elements, Platinum Group of Elements, and Semiconducting Elements. Considering the priority of environmental protection, traditional mineral mining and its results are being analyzed from a new perspective. She lauded the Ministry of Mines for recognizing the contribution of Sustainable Mineral Development in the awards, noting that equal attention is being given to economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
The National Geoscience Awards-2022 celebration served as a platform to acknowledge and honor the brilliance and dedication of geoscientists in various fields. As India continues to progress, the contributions of geoscientists play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable mineral development and fostering the well-being of the nation and its citizens.