GSI Organizes Nationwide Walkathon to Mark 175th Foundation Year: Celebrating Geoscience for a Safe World

Walkathon Marks the Prelude to the 175th Foundation Year of Geological Survey of India

2nd March 2025, Kolkata: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) organized Walkathons nationwide today as a prelude to its 175th Foundation Year celebrations, scheduled for 4th March 2025. Held across 27 locations of GSI offices throughout the country, the Walkathons embraced the theme “Geoscience for a Safe World”, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, sportspersons, and people from all walks of life.

The Kolkata Walkathon took place at CK-CL Park, Sector 2, Salt Lake, where it was flagged off by esteemed Olympians, Sushmita Singha Roy and Soma Biswas, alongside Shri Asit Saha, Director General, GSI. The presence of the Olympians, both renowned heptathletes, infused the event with inspiration and energy, highlighting the spirit of perseverance and excellence.

Speaking on the occasion, the esteemed guests emphasized GSI’s remarkable legacy of scientific contributions and encouraged participants to embrace dedication and resilience in their respective fields. They also highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering awareness and teamwork.

Among the notable dignitaries present were Shri Sanjiv Kumar Singh, Director (Mining), Hindustan Copper Limited; Dr. Joyesh Bagchi, ADG, PSS; Dr. Joydeep Guha, ADG (Finance); and Smt. Varsha Ashok Aglawe, ADG & HoD, GSI, Eastern Region. They inspired participants by drawing parallels between the relentless efforts of geoscientists and the determination of athletes.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Asit Saha, DG, GSI, reflected on GSI’s 175-year journey as one of India’s oldest and most prestigious scientific organizations. He emphasized GSI’s pivotal role in geological mapping, mineral exploration, and national development. Shri Saha also highlighted the organization’s technological advancements and contributions to resource management and disaster mitigation. Describing the Walkathon as a symbol of endurance and perseverance, he urged participants to uphold GSI’s legacy of excellence and commitment to a prosperous future.

The Walkathon covered a 2.8 km route, starting from CK-CL Park, Salt Lake II, Kolkata, and passing through Karunamoyee and GSI Eastern Region Office. The event witnessed the participation of over 1,000 enthusiastic individuals from diverse age groups and demographics. It concluded with a medal distribution ceremony, celebrating the participants’ spirit and commemorating GSI’s enduring legacy alongside its officials.

The Walkathons at other locations was equally impactful, featuring the participation of various heads of organizations and dignitaries who echoed also the significance of geoscientific advancements in nation-building and reinforced the importance of creating awareness about the significance of “Geoscience for a Safe World.”

About Geological Survey of India

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was set up in 1851 primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways. Over the years, GSI has not only grown into a repository of geo-science information required in various fields in the country but has also attained the status of a geo-scientific organisation of international repute. Its main functions relate to creating and updating of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment. These objectives are achieved through ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting and investigations, multi-disciplinary geoscientific, geo-technical, geo-environmental and natural hazards studies, glaciology, seismo-tectonic study and carrying out fundamental research.

GSI’s chief role includes providing objective, impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and geoscientific information of all kinds, with a focus on policy making decisions, commercial and socio-economic needs. GSI also emphasizes on systematic documentation of all geological processes both surface and subsurface, of India and its offshore areas. The organization carries out this work through geological, geophysical, & geochemical surveys using the latest does so by using the latest and most cost-effective techniques and methodologies.

GSI’s core competence in survey and mapping is continuously enhanced through accretion, management, coordination and utilization of spatial databases (including those acquired through remote sensing). It functions as a ‘Repository’ for the purpose and uses the latest computer-based technologies for dissemination of geoscientific information and spatial data, through cooperation and collaboration with other stakeholders in the Geo-informatics sector.GSI, headquartered in Kolkata, has six regional offices located in Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata and state unit offices in almost all states of the country. GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines.

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