India Marks Antarctica Day with Commemorative Stamp as NCPOR Celebrates 25 Years of Scientific Excellence

Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor praised NCPOR as the cornerstone of India’s polar and deep-ocean research capability.

 

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, marked Antarctica Day today with a ceremonial event that highlighted India’s expanding leadership in polar and oceanic science. The day commemorates the signing of the Antarctic Treaty on December 1, 1959, which designated the continent exclusively for peace and international scientific cooperation.

His Excellency Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Hon’ble Governor of Goa, graced the celebration as the Chief Guest and released a special commemorative postage stamp issued by the Department of Posts to mark the Silver Jubilee of NCPOR.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Governor praised NCPOR as the cornerstone of India’s polar and deep-ocean research capability.

“For 25 years, NCPOR has expanded India’s scientific imagination across some of the most extraordinary and hostile regions of the planet,” he said. “As India aspires to become a developed nation by 2047, understanding global climatic shifts, sea-level rise, and polar processes is crucial to our national future. Institutions like NCPOR are not merely research hubs—they are national strategic assets.”

He further noted the relevance of Antarctica, which stores nearly 70% of Earth’s freshwater, making it a critical region for global climate balance.

The Governor also assured continued support from the Government of Goa in strengthening the institute’s scientific mission.

Department of Posts Marks Milestone with Stamp Release

Addressing the gathering, Shri Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, said the commemorative stamp represents the Department of Post’s recognition of NCPOR’s global scientific achievements.

“The stamp symbolizes not just a milestone but India's commitment to advancing frontier science. We are proud to celebrate the institute’s 25-year journey,” he said.

New Research Station and Indigenous Ice-Class Vessel Approved

NCPOR Director Dr. Thamban Meloth, in his welcome address, revealed that the Government of India has given in-principle approval for two landmark infrastructure projects:

• A new state-of-the-art Antarctic research station, Maitri-II, to replace the aging Maitri station.

• India’s first indigenous ice-class Research Vessel, enabling year-round polar access for scientific expeditions.

Dr. Meloth emphasized:

“These developments mark a new era in India’s presence and capability in polar science. With strong government backing, NCPOR is prepared to scale new frontiers.”

India’s Polar Legacy

Since its inception on 5 April 2000, NCPOR has led India’s presence in the Polar regions and Southern Ocean, establishing major research stations including:

• Dakshin Gangotri (decommissioned but preserved as heritage)

• Maitri (Antarctica)

• Bharati (Antarctica)

• Himadri (Arctic, Svalbard)

• Himansh (Himalayas—gateway for cryosphere research)

India is among the few nations with research presence in both the Arctic and Antarctica, making NCPOR central to India’s climate, cryosphere, and oceanographic studies.