Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Calls on Corporate Leaders to Promote Research and Development at IMD's 150th-Year Celebrations

New Delhi: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar yesterday made a clarion call to the corporate leaders to handhold institutions to promote research and development. Drawing attention to the key role played by corporates in initiating and funding research in developed countries, the Vice-President emphasised the need for leveraging technologies for disaster risk reduction and management. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 150th-year celebrations of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in New Delhi.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President elaborated on the significance of IMD as 'a safety net protecting India’s national interest'. Underline the global influence of IMD, the Vice-President Stated that India’s neighbours also rely on IMD's expertise as evidenced during cyclone 'Mocha' and by the praise extended by Bangladesh and



Myanmar to India, in its aftermath.

Highlighting technological progress as a key soft diplomacy tool, Mr. Dhankhar noted how economic and technological progress by a nation go on to define international relationships. He added, by extending India's weather and climate services to our neighbours and other countries, India not only strengthen regional resilience but also reinforce country's commitment of being a responsible global player.

During the event, the Vice-President released the theme song of IMD and launched several other initiatives, including the Decision Support System, Panchayat MausamSeva, National Framework of Climate Services and the Mobile App of the department. Director General of IMD, Dr. M. Mohapatra and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.