KASAULI (HP): Tethys Fossil Museum will be celebrating its 3rd Foundation Day with India’s First Fossil Awards on April 12. On the occasion award ceremony will also be held to honor Fossil Discoveries and Promote Geoheritage.
Its founder Dr Ritesh Arya told that the awards would be given in the following categories—Students, Research scholar, teacher, scientist, amateur paleontologist, junior paleontologist, geoheritage promotion and lifetime achievement. The Tethys Fossil Museum, nestled in the scenic village of Dangyari, Himachal Pradesh, will celebrate its 3rd Foundation Day on April 12, 2025, by hosting India’s first-ever Fossil Awards Ceremony. This pioneering event will honor individuals for their remarkable contributions to fossil discovery, paleontological research, and the promotion of geoheritage across India.
He further said that applications were invited across India and overseas, with entries from esteemed institutions such as Ashoka University, Panjab University, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) Lucknow, Nagaland University, Central University of South Bihar, and Université de Montpellier, France.
A distinguished jury of eminent scientists will assess the nominations. The jury comprises of Prof. Om N. Bhargava, Panjab University; Prof. Vinod Tiwari, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology
Prof. G.V.R. Prasad, Delhi University; Dr. V.P. Mishra, Paleobotanical Survey of India; Dr. Jagmohan Mohan Singh, former ONGC Scientist; Prof. Ashok Sahni, Renowned Paleontologist and Patron of the Museum and Prof. Sahni praised the initiative, saying:
“This is the first event of its kind in India and will go a long way in promoting the cause of fossil discovery and preservation across the country.”
Dr. Ritesh Arya, founder of the Tethys Fossil Museum, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the scientific community, participants, and supporters for their enthusiastic response. He also thanked Mr. Manmohan Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Solan, for kindly accepting the invitation to attend the ceremony as Guest of Honour.