21st International Geographical Congress – 1968

The International Geographical Union (IGU) convened its Congress in New Delhi from December 1st to 8th, 1968, marking a significant event as it was the first time the Congress was held in an Asian country. The IGU’s primary objectives include promoting the study of geographical problems, coordinating international research efforts, facilitating scientific discussions and publications, organizing International Geographical Congresses, and overseeing commissions for studying topical issues between congresses.

At the New Delhi Congress, 17 commissions established in 1964 presented their final reports, covering specialized branches of geography such as Applied Geography, World Population and Medical Geography, Teaching of Geography and Quantitative Methods, National Atlases, Interpretation of Aerial Photography, Economic Regionalization, and World Land Use and Agricultural Typology. The discussions and papers presented during the Congress, attended by some 1200 delegates from 64 member countries, were crucial for advancing geographical knowledge and understanding.

In addition to the main Congress, various meetings, symposia, and tours across India provided delegates with opportunities to explore the country’s geography firsthand. The International Cartographic Association (ICA), affiliated with the IGU, also held meetings in New Delhi during this period, focusing on cartography and attended by official government delegates.

The Congress in New Delhi showcased India’s commitment to geographical research and its role as a host for international scientific gatherings. To commemorate this significant event, the Indian P & T Department issued a special postage stamp on December 1st, 1968, marking the opening day of the 21st International Geographical Congress.