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On January 9, 1982, LT. Ram Charan became the first Indian to reach Antarctica. A total of 21 men from India were expedited to Antarctica. This group was led by Dr Syed Zahur Qasim, Secretary of the Department of Environment and former director of NIO. This expedition stepped its name in Indian history. Afterwards, there have been more than 30 expeditions in Antarctica as of now. The National Centre of Antarctic and Ocean Research of India is the responsible authority for carrying out expeditions in Antarctica.
The Timeline of the Indian Antarctic Programme
Under the leadership of Dr S Z Qasim, it was the first expedition that carried a team of 21 members to Antarctica.
| Year | Event |
| 1981 | The program was initiated with 21 members under Dr. S Z Qasim’s leadership |
| 1981 | Negotiations over Antarctic research began |
| 1981 | The expedition started from Goa on December 6 on the Marine Vessel Polar Circle |
| 1982 | The troupe landed in Antarctica on January 9 |
| 1982 | Troupe returned to Goa on February 21, marking the end of the expedition |
Also Read- Top 20 Fun Facts About Antarctica for Kids
Do you know?
Every year, Antarctica Day is celebrated on December 1 in order to bring to light the international cooperation to safeguard this continent.
About the Indian Antarctica Programme
The erstwhile Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi has shown immense support.
| Field | Detail |
| Initiated | 1981 (First Indian Expedition) |
| Controlled by | National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Earth Sciences |
| Government | Government of India |
| Global Acceptance | Signing of Antarctic Treaty (1983) |
| First Research Base | Dakshin Gangotri (1983) |
| Current Main Base | Maitri (Established in 1989) |
| Newest Base | Bharati (Commissioned in 2012, made from shipping containers) |
| Scientific Fields Studied | Atmospheric Sciences, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Medical Sciences |
| Number of Antarctica Expeditions | 40 |
| Antarctic Treaty System Accession | August 1, 1983 |
| Consultative Member Status | September 12, 1983 (15th member) |
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