National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) Completes Fifty Years of Service to the Nation

Scientific knowledge of the Earth – its structure, dynamics, evolution, resources and natural hazards – assumes great importance because the survival and progress of mankind almost entirely depend on this pursuit. The establishment of the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, in 1961, is an acknowledgement of the importance ascribed to geophysics and allied disciplines. On October 11, 2011, the CSIR-NGRI celebrated its Golden jubilee, a day that marked the culmination of yearlong commemorative events, thematic conferences and lectures (see Journal of Geological Society of India, v.77, p.393- 394). The Golden Jubilee provides a befitting opportunity to reminisce the 50 glorious years of the institute’s journey from a modest beginning to a world class geoscientific centre of excellence, which was possible through the able stewardship of Drs. M.S. Krishnan, Hari Narain, A. Roy, S. Balakrishna, V.K. Gaur, D. Guptasarma, Harsh K. Gupta, S.M. Naqvi, D.C. Mishra and V.P. Dimri. This note highlights the achievements during this eventful sojourn, the present capabilities, aspirations and goals for the future.