On the occasion of its 62nd Foundation Day, heartfelt congratulations resonate with the esteemed Team Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune—a bastion of scientific excellence and innovation in the realm of meteorology. Since its inception in 1962, IITM has been a beacon of pioneering research and invaluable contributions to understanding monsoon meteorology and weather systems, both nationally and globally.
IITM’s journey has been a testament to unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of scientific breakthroughs. The institution’s stellar team of scientists has continually pushed the boundaries of meteorology, undertaking meticulous observations, and spearheading groundbreaking studies that have left an indelible mark on the field.
One of the remarkable achievements of IITM includes pioneering scientific protocols for cloud seeding over semi-arid regions in India, a significant stride towards water resource management and agricultural sustainability. The establishment of the High-Altitude Cloud Physics Lab (HACPL) in Mahabaleshwar stands as a testament to IITM’s commitment to advancing weather and climate sciences through innovative research and infrastructure.
At the forefront of climate change research, IITM developed the Earth System Model (IITM-ESM), India’s first climate model—a pivotal tool in comprehending and addressing the complexities of climate change and its implications.
Furthermore, IITM operates the Atmospheric Research Testbeds (ART) Central India (ART-CI) at Silkheda, Madhya Pradesh, dedicated to atmospheric observations over the core monsoon zone of India. This initiative underscores the institution’s commitment to studying and understanding the intricacies of the monsoon phenomenon.
In the pursuit of cutting-edge technology, IITM initiated India’s first instrumented unmanned aerial vehicle, LAURUS, enabling advanced research on thunderstorms and lightning. The development of the ‘Damini Lightning Alert’ mobile app in 15 regional languages stands as a pioneering step, contributing significantly to lightning research and public safety awareness.
The institution’s commitment to academic excellence is evident through its remarkable research output—over 1755 high-quality research papers and the conferment of more than 100 PhDs in the last 9 years. This signifies a rich legacy of knowledge dissemination and nurturing future scientific talent.
As IITM enters another year of its illustrious journey, it stands poised to continue its legacy of innovation and scientific excellence, shaping the future of meteorology, weather forecasting, and climate sciences. The institution’s commitment to advancing scientific understanding and contributing to the betterment of society remains unwavering—a testament to its pivotal role in India’s scientific landscape and global meteorology. Here’s to many more years of impactful research and transformative contributions by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology!