“The importance of Oceans is gaining prominence every year for economic and strategic value,” were the words of Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa, in his message to the staff members and public during the CSIR-NIO (CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography), Goa, Foundation Day celebrated on 1 January 2022 in online mode.

The Governor further mentioned that “Oceans are a treasure house of resources and with the increasing constraints on land the focus of research is growing on the Ocean Front.” The Hon’ble Governor congratulated the institute for having state-of-the-art laboratories and research programmes. He emphasised that, “The role of CSIR-NIO will grow tremendously in the years to come and that the CSIR-NIO will achieve new milestones and country will attain new heights of glory in ocean development.” 

Earlier during the day, a tree plantation programme was also conducted for the new entrants to the institute during the year 2021 in the institute’s campus. During the in-house programme, Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director, CSIR-NIO addressed the staff with new year greetings. He announced various categories of awards to the staff and students of the institute such as CSIR-NIO Foundation Day Awards (Individual and Team) including Dr Sathyavathi Panakala Rao award; Geeta Mukhopadhyay Best Thesis Award; ICBAB best paper award; AcSIR Topper award; Sagar Sukti Award. 

Dr Sanil Kumar, Chief Scientist and Chairman of the Foundation Day committee proposed the vote of thanks.