Prisita Das 
Meteorology from the coastal landscapes of Odisha to the global stage of meteorological leadership, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and scientific excellence. Today, as the Director General of the India Meteorological Department, he stands as a transformative figure who has reshaped how India—and much of the world—understands and responds to extreme weather.
Roots in Odisha, Dreams for the World
Born in Bhadrak district of Odisha, Dr. Mohapatra’s early life was deeply influenced by the devastating cyclones and floods that frequently struck the region during the late 1970s and 1980s. Witnessing the loss of lives and livelihoods left a lasting impression on a young mind determined to make a difference.
That determination led him to Utkal University, where he completed his M.Sc. and later a Ph.D. in Physics. What began as academic curiosity soon evolved into a lifelong mission—to use meteorology as a means to prevent disasters rather than merely study them.
A Career Built on Purpose
Joining the India Meteorological Department in 1992, Dr. Mohapatra steadily rose through the ranks, guided by scientific rigor and a deep sense of social responsibility. Over the decades, he has not only advanced meteorological science but also transformed its application for public safety.
Widely known as the “Cyclone Man of India,” he pioneered impact-based forecasting, ensuring that weather warnings are not just accurate, but actionable—empowering farmers, fishermen, disaster managers, and vulnerable communities to respond effectively.
Under his leadership, India’s cyclone forecasting system has achieved remarkable precision. Reduced errors in cyclone tracking and landfall predictions have enabled timely evacuations and significantly strengthened disaster preparedness across coastal regions.
Transforming India into a Global Leader
Dr. Mohapatra’s work has elevated India to a position of global leadership in meteorology. As the Third Vice-President of the World Meteorological Organization, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening early warning systems across countries in the North Indian Ocean region.
His efforts have helped position the India Meteorological Department as a global benchmark in tropical cyclone prediction and disaster risk reduction—an achievement that continues to benefit millions.
Recent Global Recognition (2025–2026)
The past year has marked a significant milestone in his distinguished career, with several prestigious honours:
– United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction
– Outstanding Service Award 2025 by the American Meteorological Society
– Sir Gilbert Walker Gold Medal 2025 from the Indian Meteorological Society
These accolades reflect not just individual excellence, but also India’s rising prominence in global climate science and disaster preparedness.
Science with a Human Touch
What truly sets Dr. Mohapatra apart is his unwavering belief that science must serve society. His work goes beyond data models and satellite systems—it is about ensuring that life-saving information reaches the last mile.
His philosophy is simple yet powerful:
“Forecasts must save lives.”
By democratizing access to weather information and tailoring warnings for specific communities, he has bridged the gap between scientific advancement and real-world impact.
