India's Antarctica Station At Par With World: Geologist

India is one of the 50 signatories to the Antarctic Treaty that entails 'free exchange of information and personnel in cooperation with the United Nations and other international agencies'.

Comparing the Indian research in the last three decades, 1946-born Sengupta pointed out that despite the substantial increase in volume, there isn't much of a progress in terms of standard.

"I think there isn't a big difference in terms of standard of research, but in terms of volume it has advanced. When a group of scientists go, you can't expect all of them to be top class ... certain percentage is always top class and they availed of whatever facilities they got and produced top class research. It's the same now also...though the quality of research has definitely improved."

She hopes those who get an opportunity to explore the "colourless" continent should get the best out of their visit, the physical hardships notwithstanding.

"It (the expedition) is a combination of adventure, science and knowledge. Those who go must utilise it to fullest extent despite the obstacles, the hardships. It will be tough out there, but get whatever you can get out of it," said the expert mountaineer, a trait that helped her through the expedition.

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