President to Confer National Geoscience Awards 2024 on Sept 26

Geoscience Awards 2024 on Sept 26

The President of India will confer the prestigious National Geoscience Awards (NGA) 2024 on 26th September 2025 in New Delhi. The annual awards, instituted by the Government of India, recognize exceptional contributions in the field of geosciences and allied disciplines. This year’s ceremony is expected to witness the participation of distinguished scientists, policymakers, and representatives from the mining, exploration, and environmental sectors.

Honouring Excellence in Geosciences

The National Geoscience Awards were established to acknowledge the nation’s leading experts in geology, mining, mineral exploration, groundwater studies, geophysics, oceanography, environmental geoscience, and related domains. By recognizing pioneering research and fieldwork, the awards aim to encourage innovation and inspire future generations of geoscientists.

Over the decades, NGA has become the highest honor in India’s geoscience community, often compared to national scientific awards in other disciplines. Recipients are chosen after a rigorous selection process, where their research impact, societal relevance, and contribution to national development are carefully assessed.

The 2024 Awards

The NGA 2024 edition will recognize contributions across several categories:

1. Lifetime Achievement Award – For senior geoscientists whose work has defined or transformed the field.
2. National Geoscience Awards for Excellence – Honouring outstanding contributions in areas such as mineral exploration, seismology, and hydrogeology.
3. Young Scientist Award – Encouraging early-career researchers who show exceptional promise and innovation.
4. Applied Geoscience Awards – Recognizing work with direct applications in sectors like natural resource management, sustainable mining, and disaster preparedness.

Each award not only highlights individual brilliance but also underscores the growing importance of geosciences in shaping India’s economy, infrastructure, and environmental policies.

Importance of Geosciences in India

Geosciences form the backbone of many sectors in India, including energy security, natural resource management, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. From ensuring groundwater availability to assessing earthquake risks and discovering mineral reserves, geoscientists play a vital role in the country’s growth.

India, with its diverse geography ranging from the Himalayas to coastal plains, faces unique challenges. Rapid urbanization, climate change, and growing energy demand make geoscience expertise more critical than ever. Awards like NGA serve as reminders of the need to invest in research and build a strong community of experts who can address these challenges.

The Role of the President’s Office

The fact that the awards are conferred by the President of India highlights their prestige. The President’s involvement lends national recognition to geosciences, a field often working behind the scenes to support visible progress in infrastructure, industry, and environmental conservation.

By personally conferring the awards, the President not only honours the recipients but also signals the government’s commitment to advancing science and technology for sustainable development.

Expected Highlights of the Ceremony

The 2025 award ceremony in New Delhi is expected to include:

• Speeches by senior officials from the Ministry of Mines and Geological Survey of India.
• An address by the President, highlighting the role of geosciences in national priorities such as “Viksit Bharat @2047.”
• A showcase of awardees’ research contributions through short films and presentations.
• Participation of young students and researchers to inspire the next generation.

This blend of recognition, inspiration, and policy emphasis makes the NGA ceremony not only a scientific event but also a platform for national dialogue on resource sustainability.

Encouraging Young Scientists

One of the most important aspects of NGA is its focus on young talent. By highlighting the work of young geoscientists, the awards foster a culture of innovation and ensure continuity in the field. Many past awardees in the young scientist category have gone on to lead national projects, teach at premier institutes, or collaborate internationally.

The 2024 edition is expected to showcase promising work in climate change studies, water management, and cutting-edge remote sensing applications. Such recognition motivates young professionals to pursue impactful careers in geosciences, countering the discipline’s traditional image as a niche field.

Global Relevance

India’s geoscientific research also has global significance. From contributing to climate models to supplying strategic minerals for clean energy transitions, Indian geoscientists are part of international collaborations. The NGA awards, therefore, do not only reward national contributions but also highlight India’s role in global scientific leadership.

For instance, recent focus areas include rare earth exploration, coastal erosion studies, Himalayan glacier monitoring, and earthquake preparedness. These issues resonate far beyond national borders and place Indian geoscientists at the center of international discourse.

Past Contributions and Legacy

Since their inception, the National Geoscience Awards have honoured some of the most respected names in the field. Past winners have been instrumental in:

• Discovering key mineral reserves that fuel India’s industries.
• Advancing seismology research for earthquake-resilient infrastructure.
• Innovating in groundwater mapping and sustainable irrigation.
• Developing new technologies for exploration and resource assessment.

The awards serve as a record of India’s scientific progress in geosciences and a benchmark for excellence.

Looking Ahead

As India aims to achieve ambitious economic and infrastructure goals by 2047, geosciences will play an even more crucial role. Sustainable mining, clean energy exploration, water conservation, and climate adaptation strategies are all directly tied to geoscientific expertise.

The National Geoscience Awards 2024 are thus more than just a recognition of past achievements—they are a roadmap for the future. By celebrating excellence today, the nation is investing in a stronger, more resilient tomorrow.