Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), an R & D institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, marked a historic milestone on Monday with the release of a Special Commemorative Postage Stamp celebrating its Silver Jubilee—25 years of pioneering contributions to polar and ocean research. The ceremony coincided with Antarctica Day, observed globally to commemorate the signing of the Antarctic Treaty (1959).
The event was held at the Prithvi Auditorium, NCPOR, Vasco-da-Gama, in the presence of distinguished guests, scientists, academicians, students and media representatives.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR, reflected on the remarkable journey of the institution since its inception in 2000 as NCAOR, and its evolution into today’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. He highlighted how, over 25 years, NCPOR has expanded India’s scientific and operational footprint across Antarctica, the Arctic, the Southern Ocean, and the Himalaya, undertaking complex expeditions and contributing significantly to global climate research.
Dr. Meloth noted that the release of the Commemorative Postage Stamp stands as a symbol of India’s long-standing commitment to polar science and its growing leadership in understanding Earth’s changing climate. He emphasised that Antarctica Day serves as an enduring reminder of the values of peace, science, and international cooperation enshrined in the Antarctic Treaty—principles that NCPOR continues to uphold through sustained scientific excellence and a strong national presence in the polar regions.
In his address, Amitabh Singh (IPoS), Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra & Goa Circle, highlighted the longstanding association between the Department of Posts and India’s polar programme, recalling the establishment of the first Indian Post Office in Antarctica. He expressed pride in the Department’s collaboration with NCPOR and its role in releasing several postage stamps dedicated to polar research, which help raise national awareness of India’s advanced scientific efforts in the polar regions.
He noted, “It is a matter of honour to release the Commemorative Postage Stamp on 25 years of NCPOR. This special issue recognises the dedication of India’s polar scientists and the nation’s expanding scientific footprint in Earth’s most challenging environments.”
The commemorative stamp was then officially released by the Chief Guest, Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, marking the highlight of the ceremony. Addressing the gathering, he said: “
The Governor of Goa congratulated NCPOR on completing 25 years and commended its role in advancing India’s presence from the South Pole to the Arctic, the Southern Ocean, and the Himalayas. He highlighted the importance of polar regions in regulating global climate, noting risks from Antarctic ice loss and the growing geopolitical relevance of the Arctic. He underlined India’s major policy milestones—the Arctic Policy (2022) and the Indian Antarctic Act (2022)—which strengthen India’s scientific and strategic engagement. Appreciating NCPOR’s leadership in the Deep Ocean Mission and operation of multiple research stations, he welcomed national plans for a new ice-class vessel and Antarctic station, reaffirming Goa’s full support for NCPOR’s future growth. Hon’ble Governor of Goa greatly appreciated the Virtual Tour to Antarctica and the immersive Science On a Sphere experience at Polar Bhavan, NCPOR. They expressed admiration for the innovative outreach efforts, noting how these interactive tools vividly showcase polar science, India’s expeditions, and the challenges of remote environments. Finally, he has congratulated the fraternity of the Silver Jubilee for expanding research in spanning Antarctica, the Arctic and the Himalayas.
NCPOR’s Silver Jubilee commemorative stamp stands as a significant tribute to India’s strong polar research legacy, reflecting its extensive presence across the poles through 44 Antarctic expeditions, 15 Arctic expeditions, 12 Southern Ocean expeditions, and the establishment of India’s research stations—Maitri and Bharati in Antarctica, Himadri in the Arctic, and Himansh in the Himalaya.
The celebration witnessed the participation of over 150 school students from Goa, dignitaries from various organisations, and NCPOR staff, with more than 400 attendees joining the memorable event. To highlight the importance of Antarctica, a popular science talk titled “Life on the White Continent: Stories from Antarctica” was delivered by Dr. Anand Pande, Head, Ocean and Coasts Conservation, WWF-India, which captivated the students and led to an engaging discussion.
The event underscored India’s expanding role in global polar collaboration and reaffirmed the Antarctic Treaty’s enduring commitment to peace and scientific cooperation. The commemorative stamp celebrates NCPOR’s contributions to advancing polar, climate, and ocean science over the past 25 years.
The programme concluded with expressions of gratitude to the scientific community, partner institutions, and the media for their continued support of India’s polar research mission.
