Shri Kapil Sibal on a visit to Antarctica

The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, spoke to the Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development, Shri Kapil Sibal, on board the m/v Emerald Sea at the Antarctic shelf, today. Dr. Kalam sent his greetings and good wishes to the scientific community, which is conducting a wide variety of scientific experiments. The President told the Minister that he was proud of the entire scientific community and was appreciative of their wonderful efforts in inhospitable and adverse conditions. The President stated that the continuing discovery of the Antarctic region would open up a new scientific world.

In his message to all those who are part of this scientific endeavour, the President said, "whatever work they do and whatever they learn in the Antarctic region will be directly applicable to those living in adverse conditions in the high reaches of the Himalayas. The scientific community should be conscious of the enormous potentialities of the Antarctic region for global benefit. The ocean itself contains unique wealth in the form of living and non-living resources".

Dr. Kalam was appreciative of the fact that the wealth of knowledge gained in the adverse circumstances was of great benefit to the nation and for public good. The President complimented the Minister for taking this unique initiative and being the first Minister ever to visit the Antarctic region.

The Minister thanked the President for the sentiments expressed by him and assured him that the scientific community would continue its efforts in this great endeavour.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh also spoke to Shri Sibal. The Prime Minister enquired about the welfare of the members of the 23rd and the 24th Indian Antarctic expedition. Dr. Singh asked the Minister to convey his best wishes to all the members of the expeditions for their continued efforts in their multifarious activities in the Antarctic region.

Shri Sibal thanked the Prime Minister and assured him said that he would report back to him about his detailed observations and future course of action in Antarctica related studies. HK/AS

Source: Ministry of Science & Technology
Date: February 3, 2005