Global experts gather in Jaipur to shape geoscience's future.
To mark a monumental milestone in India's scientific history, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is poised to celebrate its 175th anniversary with a grand global event. The organization is hosting a high-profile gathering titled "Unearthing the Past, Shaping the Future: 175 Years of GSI." This prestigious event is scheduled to take place at the Rajasthan International Centre (RIC) in Jaipur on November 20th and 21st, 2025.
Union Minister of Coal & Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, will preside over the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest. He will be joined by other dignitaries, including Union Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal and Rajasthan’s Principal Secretary of Mines & Petroleum, T. Ravikanth. This gathering represents a significant moment for the Ministry of Mines as it reflects on nearly two centuries of contribution to the nation's development.
Since its inception in 1851, the GSI has been the backbone of India’s mineral exploration sector. From identifying critical strategic minerals to conducting vital geohazard studies, the institution has played a pivotal role in national resource management. As India looks toward sustainable development, the role of GSI becomes even more critical, making this anniversary not just a celebration of the past, but a roadmap for the future.
Global Minds Meet in Jaipur
The two-day seminar is designed to be a melting pot of ideas, featuring top-tier geoscientists from around the globe. Delegates and experts from renowned institutions like the British Geological Survey (BGS), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and Geoscience Australia are slated to attend. Furthermore, academic heavyweights from the University of Texas, Lancaster University, and the University of Michigan will contribute to the technical discussions.
The agenda is packed with intellectual exchange, featuring nine plenary lectures and 19 special sessions. Over 300 scientific papers and posters will be presented, covering 11 specific themes ranging from technological advancements in mapping to the future trajectory of geosciences.
Innovation and Collaboration
Running parallel to the academic discussions will be an exhibition highlighting the latest in geospatial tools and mining technology. Premier industries and research bodies will showcase cutting-edge solutions that could revolutionize how India explores its natural resources.
In a move to strengthen domestic research capabilities, the event will also witness the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur. These agreements aim to foster deeper collaboration in frontier geoscience research and capacity building, ensuring that India’s future geologists are equipped with world-class expertise.
Leading the seminar are GSI Director General Asit Saha and Additional Director General Vijay V. Mugal, who serves as the Chairman of the Seminar. This event reaffirms GSI's commitment to scientific excellence and global knowledge exchange as it steps into its 175th year of service.
