𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐚𝐠𝐯𝐢𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡, 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐆 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚, 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬,

In a landmark visit that underscored the growing collaboration between academia and the scientific community, Dr. Jagvir Singh, Scientist G and Adviser at the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, visited the Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh. His engagement with the faculty and students illuminated the latest advancements in earth science research and its profound implications for national security, environmental resilience, and the future of scientific exploration in India. The event commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Mohd Taqi, who introduced Dr. Singh and highlighted the significance of his visit to the university. Following Ladakhi tradition, Dr. Singh was honored with a khatak ceremony, symbolizing respect and hospitality. Dr. Mehboob Ali, Incharge of Administration, Kargil Campus, delivered an opening speech, underscoring the relevance of the occasion and the honour of hosting such a distinguished guest. In his keynote address, Dr. Singh reflected on India’s pioneering role as the only country with a dedicated Ministry of Earth Sciences. He highlighted how the Indian government has consistently anticipated future national needs in the realms of weather, climate, and geological services, developing world-class capabilities to address them. This forward-thinking approach, Dr. Singh explained, has transformed India into a global leader in weather forecasting, climate services, and disaster preparedness. One of the central themes of Dr. Singh’s lecture was the remarkable progress India has made in the field of weather and climate forecasting. He noted that historically, the primary challenge in meteorological science was the difficulty of obtaining accurate and timely data. However, with the introduction of cutting-edge technologies and the development of advanced data collection systems, these obstacles have been largely overcome. During the session, Dr. Singh shared a captivating anecdote from his past, recounting a critical moment when his team’s expertise in weather forecasting played a pivotal role in national security. In the midst of military conflict in Drass, his team was summoned by General J.J. Singh to provide crucial weather forecasts that could influence military strategy. Using advanced forecasting models, they successfully predicted snowfall in the region, which allowed the Indian Army to execute troop movements under the cover of adverse weather conditions—ultimately playing a key role in the operation’s success. This vivid example of how earth science research can be applied to real-world challenges showcased the often-overlooked strategic value of accurate weather predictions. Dr. Singh also spotlighted the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ contributions to disaster preparedness, particularly in coastal areas. He praised the development of India’s advanced tsunami warning Media and Publicity cell Kargil caMPus university of ladaKh systems, which have significantly enhanced the country’s ability to respond to natural disasters, safeguarding lives and reducing property damage. He also mentioned the recently approved “Mission Mausam,” a government initiative aimed at understanding long-term climate changes and improving the quality of weather forecasts in India. Dr. Singh emphasized that this mission will strengthen India’s resilience against climate-related challenges, aligning with the nation’s broader environmental goals. As his address drew to a close, Dr. Singh encouraged greater collaboration between academic institutions and research organizations to foster innovation and elevate the quality of scientific research. He commended the University of Ladakh for its swift progress and dedication to advancing earth sciences. Dr. Singh expressed his optimism about the university’s potential to become a hub for ground-breaking research in the region. He urged the faculty to continue their interdisciplinary collaborations and to actively contribute to India’s growing body of earth science research. Following his address, Dr. Singh engaged in a lively and productive interaction with the faculty of the Kargil Campus. This session allowed faculty members to delve deeper into pressing issues related to climate change, weather forecasting, and the specific challenges faced by the Ladakh region. Faculty members raised concerns about the growing impacts of climate change in the region, particularly the accelerated melting of glaciers, changes in precipitation patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. These environmental shifts, they noted, pose significant threats to local communities, agriculture, and infrastructure, and require innovative The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Taqi, who expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Singh for his enriching insights and acknowledged the enthusiasm and engagement of the attendees. Dr. Taqi emphasized the importance of continued dialogue on earth sciences and its applications, inviting further participation in collaborative research efforts. Dr. Jagvir Singh’s visit to the University of Ladakh was not only an honor for the institution but also a thought-provoking experience that left a lasting impact on all who attended. His discussions on the intersection of earth sciences, national development, and security provided valuable knowledge and inspiration for the academic community, reinforcing the vital role of scientific research in addressing global and local challenges.