The CSIR–National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), Hyderabad, celebrated its 65th Foundation Day on Saturday 11th October,2025, marking six and a half decades of pioneering contributions to geoscientific research and national development.

The event was chaired by Dr. Prakash Kumar, Director, CSIR–NGRI, and graced by Padma Shri Prof. Harsh Gupta, eminent geophysicist and former Director of the Institute, as the Chief Guest, and Padma Shri Prof. V. P. Dimri, also a former Director, as the Guest of Honour.

In his address, Dr. Prakash Kumar traced the rich legacy of NGRI and highlighted its vital role in nation-building through advanced geoscientific research. He outlined the Institute’s major achievements in earthquake hazard assessment across the Himalaya, groundwater exploration, and mineral resource investigations, all contributing to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Dr. Prakash Kumar emphasized that among the ten visionary goals outlined by the CSIR, two are being directly advanced by CSIR–NGRI, underscoring the Institute’s strategic importance within India’s scientific network. He also commended the NGRI team for their remarkable contribution to the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel rescue operation, lauding their scientific expertise and commitment.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kumar announced the establishment of two upcoming state-of-the-art facilities — the Laser Interferometer Seismological Observatory (LISO) and the Centre for Geothermal Energy Research (CGER) — which aim to strengthen the Institute’s capabilities in frontier areas of Earth science.Addressing the gathering, Prof. V. P. Dimri reflected on his long association with NGRI and its journey of innovation and excellence. He encouraged young scientists to uphold the Institute’s legacy with passion, perseverance, and dedication.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Harsh Gupta lauded NGRI’s outstanding contributions to geophysics, including its pivotal role in editing the Encyclopaedia of Solid Earth Geophysics and its pioneering studies on Himalayan earthquake hazards. He urged the younger generation to pursue research with creativity, scientific rigor, and a commitment to societal progress.

The occasion also witnessed the felicitation of staff members who completed 25 years of dedicated service, recognizing their steadfast contributions to the Institute’s mission.

The celebrations concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Ajai Manglik, Chief Scientist, CSIR–NGRI. The Foundation Day reflected the Institute’s enduring spirit of scientific excellence, its dedication to national service, and its continuing pursuit of knowledge to address the challenges of the Earth and environment.