Commissions In India

Indian Geophysical Union

An important scientific body of Government of India, Indian Geophysical Union plays key role to promote scientific activities in the country. The body is responsible to look into the multiple affairs or activities which have close association with the earth sciences from the scientific system of the country. Some of the key areas in which Indian Geophysical Union takes keen interest are as follows:- 

•    Seismology
•    Magnetism
•    Meteorology
•    Geodesy
•    Volcanology
•    Oceanography
•    Hydrology
•    Tectonophysics

Development Body

Scientific developments happening in the country needed a voice for recognition inside and in the far off regions. Establishment of Indian Geophysical Union was aimed at promoting various such developments in the major areas discussed above. It is a development body whose key purposes are to encourage scientific research and studies related to the geophysical issues or problems.

This body also makes a point that all developments or researches done to find the solution of variegated problems are highlighted through the medium of media, research and publication. Headquartered in the capital city Hyderabad of southern state of Andhra Pradesh, Geophysical Centre named INCOIS plays pivotal role for overall scientific growth of the country.

Recognitions

Being a research and awareness body, Indian Geophysical Union has been awarded with several prestigious awards over the period. Many memorial lecture series are organized to tribute eminent scientists whose contributions are apart and worth notable. Usually renowned earth or atmospheric scientists from around the country are invited to come together and join hands to present their viewpoints through the special lecture series on any burning topic related to this special sciences.

This body also encourages scientists by presenting Gold Medals to those having played crucial role in this special scientific sector. Earth and ocean scientists come together to discuss problems related to earth and ocean sciences and reach at the conclusion with strong message to inculcate current scientific interest in the new generation to make them aware of the developments happening in this particular field. Gold medals are presented to inspire scientists and motivate them in general.

The Geophysical Union

Establishment of Indian Geophysical Union post country’s independence was a boost to scientific sector. The process began with pursuance of fifteen prominent scientists of that time who had been working as geophysicists in various capacities and collectively realized the need of such union in 1963. They took initiative and formed Indian Geophysical Union the same year.

As this step was considered a forward leap the Union got tremendous response from various sectors as well and approximately sixty more geophysicists from around the country came forward to support it. All those geophysicists took interest in this Union and put their names for enrollment. They became Foundation Fellows of the Indian Geophysical Union.

History & Constant Growth

Soon after being founded by a group of geophysics scientists, the then Minister for Cultural Affairs and Scientific Research, Prof. Humayun Kabir formally inaugurated the Indian Geophysical Union in 1963. Venue of this inauguration was at Geology Department of Osmania University in Hyderabad. The then Vice Chancellor of Osmania University, Dr.D.S.Reddy presided over this function along with the then Defence Ministry Scientific Advisor, Dr.S.Bhagavantam.

First president of the Indian Geophysical Union was Dr.K.R.Ramanathan who worked extensively with team members to framework the key objectives of this Union besides preparing draft of its constitution. The constitution was revised in 1964 with several additions and deletions.

Since then Indian Geophysical Union has never looked back. It remains in the path to progress and has played important role in this field of science. It designed an Executive Council for its smooth functioning. Several renowned geophysical scientists have been included in this union ever since it was formed few decades ago. Association of many eminent geophysicists from the country has proved a way out for scientists working in this particular field. Their contributions are recognized by the Union as well as similar such organizations operating on the world levels.

Important Objectives of Indian Geophysical Union

A Committee was setup to decide aims and objectives of Indian Geophysical Union for systematic dealing and to get perfect outcome in this special scientific sector. The objectives were as follows:- 

• Offer a platform to geophysicists working in various parts of the country and actively involved in research activities in various disciplines
• Giving new void to the researches in the areas of seismology, magnetism, meteorology, geodesy, volcanology, oceanography, hydrology and tectonophysics amongst others
• Offering platform to scientists working in various such sectors to gather together and share their viewpoints especially the many current problems or issues related to geophysics
• Dealing with the issues related to solid earth and ocean sciences

Initiatives & Achievements

Indian Geophysical Union has taken many important initiatives from encouraging study and research of geophysical problems to helping ongoing research to seek attention of government and media for their publicity and action sought.

As an important propagator of scientific researches, this union keeps organizing meetings and conferences to guide geophysical scientists to come together and discuss all types of issues related to this special science. The union highlights such researches on various grounds and levels to disseminate knowledge of geophysics into all sections of society where it can be used well.

Indian Geophysical Union has achieved several important accolades ever since it was formed more than five decades ago. The union has been cooperating with the similar other unions working in scientific fields or especially in areas having relation with scientific research to come up at genuine conclusion.

Key steps are taken through organizing meetings, symposia and by guiding the research projects on all stages. This union has been securing funds and utilizing them for promotion of scientific researches. It receives grants and endowments to ensure future researches in geophysics are promoted to the maximum extent.