The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, is organising an International Seminar titled “Unearthing the Past, Shaping the Future: 175 Years of GSI” on 20–21 November 2025 at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, as part of its year-long celebration marking 175 years of national service.

The seminar will be inaugurated by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, in the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, and Shri T. Ravikanth, Principal Secretary, Mines and Petroleum, Government of Rajasthan.

The event will be led by Shri Asit Saha, Director General, GSI and Patron of the seminar, and Shri Vijay V. Mugal, Additional Director General and Head of the Western Region. Senior officials, distinguished geoscientists and delegates from India and abroad will also participate.

Established in 1851, GSI has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s geological landscape through extensive mapping, mineral exploration, identification of critical and strategic minerals, geohazard studies and advancements in geoscientific research. The seminar aims to discuss emerging challenges, technological developments and the future direction of geosciences.

The two-day technical programme includes nine plenary lectures, nineteen special lectures and more than 300 scientific and poster presentations across eleven thematic areas. Eminent scientists from the British Geological Survey, United States Geological Survey, Geoscience Australia, and prestigious universities such as Lancaster University, the University of Michigan, the University of Texas and the Italian National Research Council will deliver sessions.

A parallel exhibition will showcase advanced technologies, geospatial tools and innovative solutions from leading institutions and industry participants. The event will also witness the signing of MoUs with IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur to strengthen collaboration in frontier geoscience research and capacity building.

The International Seminar marks a major milestone in GSI’s historic journey, reaffirming its dedication to scientific excellence, sustainable resource development and global knowledge exchange as it enters its 175th year of service to the nation.