IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra receives United Nations Sasakawa Award-2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction

In a significant recognition of India’s leadership in disaster risk management, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has been conferred the United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025. Mohapatra hails from Bhadrak in Odisha.

After earning M. Sc. (Physics) and Ph.D (Physics) degrees, he started his career at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Chandipur, Odisha as a Junior Scientific Assistant in 1988. He also worked as a lecturer in Physics at D. K. College, Jaleswar, Balasore for a brief period from 1990 to 1992. 

Mohapatra joined India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune in 1992 as Meteorologist Gr. II Trainee and became Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, IMD, Guwahati in 2004. He took charge as the Director General of Meteorology, IMD, New Delhi in 2019.

Also Read: From Odisha's Bhadrak to WMO, here's the incredible journey of ‘Cyclone Man’ Mrutyunjay Mohapatra

Often hailed as India’s ‘Cyclone Man’, Dr. Mohapatra revolutionized how weather warnings are disseminated, by tailoring them to the needs of farmers, coastal dwellers, fishermen, and emergency responders. His introduction of impact-based forecasting has been a game-changer in making critical information both accessible and actionable.

Congratulations India!! A Proud Moment for Nation !!

Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department has received the prestigious United Nations Sasakawa Award-2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction!

A huge step forward in global disaster… pic.twitter.com/4qZcMvFDUi

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 5, 2025

About The Honour

Established in 1986 with support from The Nippon Foundation, the Sasakawa Award remains one of the world’s most esteemed honours in the domain of disaster risk reduction. It celebrates exceptional efforts that foster resilient communities and promote sustainable safety measures.

This year’s theme — “Connecting science to people: Democratizing access to innovation and technology for disaster-resilient communities” — aligns closely with Dr. Mohapatra’s enduring contributions. His innovations in cyclone prediction and early warning systems have significantly reduced fatalities not just in India, but also across 13 member nations of the WMO/ESCAP Panel along the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

The IMD attributes this achievement to the unwavering support of Prime Minister, the Minister of Earth Sciences, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Their guidance has been vital in strengthening India’s early warning capabilities and reinforcing regional cooperation in disaster preparedness.

Dr. Mohapatra’s recognition marks a proud moment for the nation, reinforcing India’s stature as a global leader in climate resilience and disaster mitigation.