India has extended invitations to Pakistan and Bangladesh, along with several other neighbouring nations, for a groundbreaking seminar marking the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This ‘Undivided India’ seminar is not only a tribute to the shared heritage of the Indian subcontinent but also an effort to foster regional unity and cooperation. The seminar aims to highlight the importance of collaboration in addressing common challenges and celebrating historical ties by bringing together nations that were once part of an undivided India. This initiative sets a new precedent for regional collaboration and goodwill, creating a platform to bridge divides through shared history and science.
The Concept Behind The ‘Undivided India’ Event
The seminar seeks to commemorate the establishment of the IMD in 1875, a time when the entire Indian subcontinent was a single administrative entity under British rule. Invitations have been sent to countries that once constituted this undivided region, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Extending beyond South Asia, officials from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southwest Asia have also been invited, emphasizing the wider regional importance of the event.
Confirming Pakistan’s participation, an official from Islamabad acknowledged the initiative as a positive step toward fostering regional goodwill. Bangladesh’s confirmation is still awaited, but if received, it will further underscore the event’s historical significance.
“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,” a senior IMD official stated. This initiative not only celebrates scientific achievements but also aims to strengthen historical ties.
A Legacy Rooted In History
The India Meteorological Department was founded on January 15, 1875, in response to a series of natural calamities, including the devastating cyclone in Calcutta in 1864 and monsoon failures in 1866 and 1871 that caused widespread famines in Bengal. Recognizing the urgent need for systematic weather data collection, the British administration established the IMD as a centralized weather organization.
However, the IMD’s roots can be traced even further back to the establishment of meteorological observatories by the British East India Company. The Calcutta Observatory was founded in 1785, followed by the Madras Observatory in 1796 and the Bombay Observatory in 1826. By the early 19th century, several observatories were operational across the subcontinent, forming the foundation for modern meteorological science in the region.
IMD’s Transformational Journey
Since its establishment, the IMD has undergone significant transformations. Initially headquartered in Calcutta, it moved to Shimla in 1905, then to Pune in 1928, and finally to New Delhi in 1944. With independence in 1947, the IMD embraced modern technology and became a pioneer in meteorological research and innovation in Asia.
During the pre-digital era, IMD relied on telegrams to disseminate major weather updates. It later became a global leader by adopting cutting-edge technologies, including one of the world’s first message-switching computers for global data exchange. The IMD’s partnership with ISRO was another milestone, enabling India to become the first developing nation to launch its own geostationary satellite, INSAT, for real-time weather monitoring and cyclone alerts.
Today, the IMD is recognized as a leading weather forecaster, providing critical information for disaster management, agriculture, and scientific research.
Celebrating 150 Years Of IMD
The upcoming seminar is not just about IMD’s legacy but also a celebration of unity and shared history. Various ministries of the Indian government have collaborated to ensure the event is memorable. The Finance Ministry has announced the release of a limited-edition Rs 150 commemorative coin, while the Home Ministry has approved a special tableau for the Republic Day parade, highlighting IMD’s 150 years of achievements.
This event represents an opportunity to reconnect with a shared past and foster cooperation among countries that were once part of undivided India. By bringing together nations with a common history, the seminar hopes to pave the way for more collaborative efforts in the future.
Undivided India: A Step Toward Regional Harmony
The ‘Undivided India’ seminar symbolizes a unique blend of science, history, and diplomacy. By focusing on a shared legacy, it aims to transcend political boundaries and encourage dialogue among nations. The confirmed participation of Pakistan and potential involvement of Bangladesh could mark a turning point in regional relations.
This initiative underscores the importance of acknowledging historical connections to build a more harmonious future. As the IMD celebrates 150 years of excellence, the seminar stands as a testament to the power of shared heritage in bridging divides and fostering unity.