Science has never failed us. It does not seek onerous faith, instead it empowers with precision. From salty seas turning into clean water, to weather alerts and warnings, science can fit together life’s puzzles with élan. The common people however, are still bereft of a scientific temperament that would enable them to soak up the valuable information the scientific domain presents before them. To comprehend whether science works in favour of the larger society, targeted and accurate scientific reporting is necessary. When popular media bequeaths the science of the nation with greater print space than politics and entertainment, every innovative people-friendly project will reach its targeted audience in an easy to comprehend manner. Science holds meaning only if the grassroot is able to make meaning out of it.

This issue of G’nY presents a minute domain of the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ vast area of work. Its transformational efforts in especially three areas—rainfall-predictive capacity enhancement in India, disseminating timely warning for disasters, and, fulfilling lives and livelihoods by building multi-sectoral support systems, have been showcased with vibrant visuals. Many more issues remain in the wings for paucity of space, and not in want of importance.

Publishing this issue was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and gave me an opportunity to interact with many stalwarts of the scientific domain. I thank Dr P S Goel, Dr Shailesh Nayak and Dr Rajeevan for their encouragement and indulgence. A special thanks to Dr K J Ramesh, without whose unstinting support and guidance this issue would not have been a reality.