Antarctica is the last great wilderness left on earth and home to spectacular wildlife. It is a vital engine driving much of the planet's climate. The ozone hole, now a familiar concern, was first discovered through observations made in Antarctica. Antarctica is indeed a barometer of the state of the planet. Recognising its pivotal role in governing the environment, several nations have called for appropriate steps towards preserving this continent exclusively for scientific research. The Indian Antarctic Research Programme commenced in 1981 with the dispatch of the first scientific expedition to Antarctica. Since then regular annual expeditions have been sent. Viable year-round bases have been established for conducting front ranking research. The ninth Indian scientific expedition, after completing its mission, returned in March 1990. The tenth expedition which sailed from Goa on 27 November 1990, reached Antarctica on 20 December 1990 and returned to Goa on 25 March 1991.