Varsha Ashok Aglawe: First woman to lead Geological Survey of India in 176 years
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) on Friday announced that Varsha Ashok Aglawe has taken charge as its 54th Director General, becoming the first woman to head the country's premier geoscientific organisation in its 176-year history.
Ms. Aglawe, a palaeontologist with over three decades of experience, succeeds Asit Saha, who served as GSI Director General for two years. She joined the organisation in 1992 after a stint with the Indian Bureau of Mines. Prior to her new appointment, she served as Additional Director General and Head of Department for the eastern region in Kolkata.
On assuming charge, Ms. Aglawe stated that the GSI would align its programmes with the government's priorities on critical mineral exploration and mineral security. She outlined plans to accelerate exploration of deep-seated and concealed mineral deposits, expand offshore mineral exploration, and strengthen laboratory infrastructure.
She also emphasised the need to promote advanced geoscientific research, natural hazard studies, glaciology, and capacity building for young geoscientists, while enhancing scientific publications, according to an official statement from the GSI.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for the organisation, which has historically been led by men. Her leadership is expected to bring fresh focus to India's mineral resource development and geoscientific research.
