Rajagopalan Balaji joins elite group of honorary fellows in meteorology
ʰǴڱǰRajagopalan Balaji, a CU Boulder professor of civil engineering and an expert in hydrology, climatology and water resources,was elected as anhonorary fellow of the in December. The honor was received on his behalf at the inaugural ceremony of TROPMET 2024, India’s annual tropical meteorology conference.
Rajagopalan has dedicated more than 25 years researchingIndian monsoon variability as a way to give back to his home country. His research aims to improveflood preparedness and explore the complex relationship between monsoonal climate and public health.
“Making significant advances in understanding Indian monsoon variability is a labor of love,” Rajagopalan says. “This honor is particularly meaningful and gratifying, especially being recognized as part of such a.”
Rajagopalan Is one of 21 honorary fellows, joining a distinguished group that includes the late A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, PhD, a former president of India. The honor recognizes those who have made significant contributions to meteorological research, education or practice, both in India and globally.
In 2023 Rajagopalan received a Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship. HisFulbright work in Indiacentered around developing monsoon forecasting models to aid residents in flood preparedness; exploring the intricate interplay between monsoonal climate and public health; and unraveling the monsoon variability over a timeframe of 5,000 to 10,000 years, along with its role in the peopling of the Indian subcontinent.
India, in particular, remains highly vulnerable to the monsoon’s variability, and the impact extends beyond floods or droughts. The monsoons also affect water quality, public health, agricultural output and even the Indian stock market, he says.
Weaker rainfall directly impacts the country’s GDP, given that at least 50 percent of the population resides in villages heavily reliant on agriculture. Crop failures often drive rural residents to migrate to urban areas in search of employment, placing sudden strain on urban resources. This has an impact on nutrition, poverty and public health, he says.
Founded in 1956, the Indian Meteorological Society was established to promote the advancement of meteorology in India and to provide a platform for scientists, researchers and professionals in the field to collaborate and share knowledge.