In recognition of his pioneering work in oceanography, remote sensing, and geospatial science, the Government of India has conferred the Padma Shri on Shri Shailesh Nayak, one of the country’s most respected Earth scientists and policy advisors.
Currently based in Delhi, Shri Nayak has played a transformative role in modernizing India’s ocean science infrastructure, coastal zone management, and disaster preparedness systems through the integration of space-based technology and data science.
- Serving as Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India
- Leading the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) to global acclaim
- Spearheading India’s Tsunami Early Warning System, recognized among the most effective globally
- Developing innovative coastal vulnerability maps and marine resource advisory systems
- Enhancing the role of satellite remote sensing and GIS in national development and disaster risk reduction
His work has had a lasting impact on climate change studies, marine biodiversity, and policy frameworks for sustainable coastal development.
“Science must speak to the needs of society and the safety of our people,” Shri Nayak has often emphasized. His leadership has embodied this vision by blending cutting-edge research with actionable public service, particularly in times of environmental crisis.
The conferment of the Padma Shri on Shri Shailesh Nayak is a tribute to his decades-long dedication to science and national resilience, reaffirming his place among India’s most impactful scientists and technocrats.
