IMD’s 150th Foundation Day: Established in 1875, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is completing 150 years on 15th January 2025. It is among the earliest government departments created specifically for systematic observation, regular reporting and scientific forecasting of weather phenomenon in the Indian subcontinent.
IMD 150 Years Celebration
In order to celebrate this milestone, IMD had planned a series of activities starting from 15th January, 2024 as a curtain raiser, culminating on 15th January, 2025, marking the completion of 150 years of establishment of IMD.
The objective of these events were to showcase IMD’s achievements during the past 150 years. Notably, the main program will be organized on 15th January 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The event will be attended by scientists/engineers from the meteorological fraternity, disaster managers, and experts from various states and central government and non-government agencies.
Why Are Pakistan And Bangladesh Invited?
The celebration is going to be a mega event as it would be attended by officials from all countries that were once part of undivided India. These include, officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. As per reports representatives from the Middle East and Southwest Asia are also on the guest list.
The term undivided India refers to the time before the partition of India in 1947 when the country was single entity under British colonial rule. After independence, India was divided into two nations, India and Pakistan, as a result of the Partition. That’s the reason why Pakistan is on the guest list and not US or any other western countries.
Other neighbouring countries like Nepal, Afghanistan, Myanmar etc., have likely been invited due to several reasons, including regional cooperation, historical ties, and shared interests in weather and climate science.
While Pakistan has accepted the invitation, Bangladesh will skip the celebration. As per IMD authorities, Bangladesh officials won’t join celebration due to restrictions on non-essential foreign travel at government expense.
