PANAJI: CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, marked its 61st Foundation Day at its Dona Paula campus on January 1, celebrating the Diamond Jubilee year of the institute. The programme was held on the theme Space Technology for a Healthier Ocean and included an exhibition showcasing NIO’s marine aquarium simulating coral ecosystems, models of research vessels, oceanographic instruments and ocean science films for visitors.
Nilesh Desai, Director of the Space Applications Centre, ISRO, was the chief guest and delivered the Foundation Day Lecture on the use of space technology for ocean research. He spoke on the role of Earth Observation applications in filling data gaps and supporting the UN Ocean Decade goals, and highlighted the importance of Oceansat missions. Padma Shri Prof Vinod Singh spoke on the contribution of organic synthesis to human wellbeing. CSIR–NIO Director Prof Sunil Kumar Singh outlined the institute’s future roadmap. The event also saw remarks from Dr Rashmi Sharma of ISRO, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Chief Scientist Sh Ilangovan.
