(Hindustan Times via Yahoo! India News, 19 August 2007) -- WHEN THE nation was celebrating its 60th Independence Day, a Lucknowite, along with a few other Indians, witnessed hoisting of the Tricolour at the Arctic, the highest latitude on the Earth. In an online chat from the Arctic, Dr Dhruv Sen Singh told HT about the major milestone in the history of India. Sen, who teaches Geology at the Lucknow University, said: "It was a unique feeling to see the hoisting of the national flag at such a place. Dr Rasik Ravindra, director of the National Centre for Antarctica and Ocean Research, Goa, hoisted the flag. At the highest latitude on the globe (North Pole), August 15 was celebrated in style. We also sang the national anthem, and had a small celebration." The flag was presented to the Indian contingent by Kapil Sibbal, Minister of Earth Sciences, at the launch of the expedition on August 3. He said: "The expedition is part of the International Polar Year. The Indian government had decided to reach the Arctic where US and Russian official delegations have not reached yet."

Tagged: IPY project, News, Public events and conferences