President of India to Confer National Geoscience Awards-2023

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu confers the prestigious National Geoscience Awards - 2023 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi in the august presence of Union Minister for Coal & Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Coal & Mines Shri Satish Chandra Dubey.

The National Geoscience Award (NGA) is one of the oldest and most prestigious national awards in geosciences, instituted by the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India in 1966. Before 2009, these awards were called National Mineral Awards. The objective of these Awards is to honour individuals and teams for extraordinary achievements and outstanding contributions in various fields of geosciences i.e. mineral discovery & exploration, Mining Technology & Mineral Beneficiation, and fundamental/ applied geosciences. Any citizen of India who has made a significant contribution in any field of geosciences is eligible for the award. The Ministry of Mines confers National Geoscience Awards every year in three categories:

• National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement
• National Geoscience Award
• National Young Geoscientist Award

For NGA 2023, 240 nominations were received under different award categories and examined through a three-stage screening process. After detailed deliberations, the Ministry of Mines has finally selected 12 awards which include 09 individual awards and 03 team awards. The 09 individual awards also include the 01 award for the National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement and the 01 award for the National Young Geoscientist Award. These 12 National Geoscience Awards will be presented to 21 Geoscientists by the President of India in the august presence of distinguished geoscientists, scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement will be conferred upon Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee, Emeritus Scientist, INSA and the National Young Geoscientist Award will be presented to Dr. Ashutosh Pandey, Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred with Fiji’s highest civilian award

Introduction to the Prestigious Recognition

President Droupadi Murmu, a distinguished leader and the head of state of India, has been conferred with Fiji's highest civilian honor The Order of Fiji. This significant accolade reflects her exceptional contributions and the strong bilateral relations between India and Fiji.

The Significance of Fiji's Highest Civilian Award

Fiji's highest civilian award is a testament to outstanding service and contributions to the nation and the international community. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, leadership, and positive impact.

Droupadi Murmu: A Leader of Vision and Integrity

President Droupadi Murmu has been a beacon of leadership and integrity. Her tenure as the President of India has been marked by numerous achievements and initiatives that have significantly influenced both national and international spheres. Her commitment to public service, social justice, and economic development has earned her widespread respect and recognition.

Key Achievements of President Murmu

• Promoting Education and Empowerment: Under President Murmu's leadership, numerous educational initiatives have been launched, focusing on empowering marginalized communities and promoting gender equality in education.
• Strengthening Diplomatic Relations: President Murmu has played a pivotal role in enhancing India's diplomatic ties with various countries, including Fiji. Her efforts have paved the way for stronger bilateral cooperation in trade, culture, and technology.
• Advocating for Environmental Sustainability: A staunch advocate for environmental conservation, President Murmu has championed several policies aimed at protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable development. The Ceremony and Its Significance

The Ceremony and Its Significance

The conferral ceremony was a grand event, attended by dignitaries from both India and Fiji. The award symbolizes the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between the two nations. It also highlights the shared values and collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges.

Event Highlights

• Venue and Attendance: The ceremony was held at a prestigious venue in Fiji, with notable figures from various sectors in attendance.
• Speech by President Murmu: In her acceptance speech, President Murmu expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening India-Fiji relations.
• Cultural Performances: The event featured cultural performances that showcased the rich heritage of both India and Fiji, symbolizing the cultural bond between the two countries.

Impact on India-Fiji Relations

The recognition of President Murmu with Fiji's highest civilian award is a milestone in India-Fiji relations. It underscores the mutual respect and admiration between the two nations and sets a precedent for future collaborations.

Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation

This honor is expected to catalyze further cooperation in various fields, including:

• Economic Partnerships: Boosting trade and investment opportunities between India and Fiji.
• Cultural Exchanges: Promoting cultural exchange programs to strengthen people-to-people ties.
• Educational Initiatives: Collaborating on educational projects to enhance learning and development.

Conclusion

The conferment of Fiji's highest civilian award to President Droupadi Murmu is a testament to her exemplary leadership and contributions. It also marks a significant chapter in the flourishing relationship between India and Fiji. As both nations continue to build on this foundation, the future holds promising prospects for enhanced cooperation and mutual growth.