Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra receives Sir Gilber Walker Award-2025 for his pioneering contribution in meteorological science and services
India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrates a moment of immense pride as Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD), has been awarded the Sir Gilbert Walker Award by Indian Meteorological Society (IMS) for his exceptional contributions to science & technology, research & innovation and their applications in weather forecasting and severe weather warnings, especially with respect to cyclones and monsoonal low-pressure systems.
The Sir Gilbert Walker Gold Medal is awarded by the IMS to recognize outstanding and pioneering contributions in the field of meteorology and related areas. The award honours
lifetime contributions towards the discovery of new phenomena, understanding atmospheric processes, and developing meteorological services for societal benefits.
Born on 12 August 1965 in Bhadrak district, Odisha, Dr. Mohapatra holds M.Sc. in Physics in 1987 and Ph.D. in Physics in 2007 from Utkal University. Dr. Mohapatra started his career at Defence Research & Development Organisation, Chandipur, Odisha in 1988. He joined as a Lecturer in Physics in DK College, Jaleswar, Odisha in 1990 and IMD in 1992 as
a Meteorologist. Rising through the ranks, he is currently the Director General of Meteorology, IMD since 2019. He is also the 3rd Vice President of World Meteorological
Organisation (WMO) and Secretary of WMO and UN-Economic & Social Commission for Asia & the Pacific Panel on Tropical Cyclones since 2023.
His leadership in modernising India’s cyclone warning system since 2007 marks pivotal transformation of IMD’s meteorological prowess. His tenure witnessed quantum leap in forecast precision which boosted preparedness and resilience in cyclone-vulnerable regions not only in India but also in 13 neighbouring countries in the North Indian Ocean (NIO). His visionary approach positioned India as a global leader in early warning systems and disaster preparedness. He is popularly known as the ‘Cyclone Man of India’.
His pioneer contributions involve advancement of cyclone warning system, development of modern forecasting technologies, indigenous development of decision-support tools, impactbased forecasting, sector specific meteorological services, multi-hazard alerts, introduction of forecast verification and development of cyclone data base.
He has published more than 165 research papers and edited 4 books and 8 journals. He contributed significantly in advancing scientific understanding of monsoonal low-pressure
systems, cyclone characteristics, storm surge, and climate impacts.
He led IMD’s Modernisation Programme (2007–12) for weather forecasting, WMO’s Severe Weather Forecasting Programme (2016), South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System (2021), and Mission Mausam (2024). He contributed immensely in strengthening global collaboration on meteorological and climate resilience initiatives.
He is also the honorary recipient of UN Sasakawa Award (2025), American Meteorological Society Outstanding Service Award (2025), National Award on E-Governance (2025), 25th & 31st Biennial Mausam Awards, and honorary D.Sc. from five universities.
This accolade honours Dr. Mohapatra’s visionary leadership and his pioneering scientific, technological, and research contributions that have advanced weather forecasting and severe weather warning systems, minimising losses to life and property.
