NEWS AND NOTES
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY - 2018
Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu
(a) Group photo of the participants at the Seminar/AGM-2018. (b) Inauguration by Prof. P. Koalndaivel, Vice-Chancellor, Periyar University,
Salem. (c) Prof. P. Koalndaivel welcoming Prof. Harsh Gupta, President, Geological Society of India. (d) Seminar/AGM-2018 in progress.
The Annual General Meeting of the Geological Society of India was hosted by the Department of Geology of the Periyar University on 19th September 2018 afternoon at the Conference Hall of Hotel
Radisson, Salem, Tamil Nadu.
The Geology Department
The Periyar University was established at Salem in 1997 by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Department of Geology which started much earlier as a PG extension centre of the Madras University naturally became a part of the Periyar University, which was named after the great social reformer and visionary Shri E.V. Ramasamy, reverentially known as “Thanthai Periyar”. Thus the Geology Department of the University in view of its prior record as PG centre became one of the premier Departments of the new University. In view of the rich mineral endowments of the Salem district, several industries, like the Salem Steel Plant (SAIL), JSW Steel, Madras Aluminium Company (MALCO), SAIL Refractory Company Ltd., Tamil Nadu Magnesites (TANMAG), Tata Refractories, Dalmia and Ramakrishna Magnesite and several Dimension Stone Industries came up in the area.
As is well known to the students of Geology, the Salem region of Tamil Nadu forms geologically a part of the Southern Granulite Terrain (SGT) falling in between the Fermor Line and the
Moyar-Bhavani-Attur Shear Zone. High grade schists [Sargur/Salem Group(?)], migmatitic gneisses, charnockites, BMQ’s and ultramafics and their derivatives characterise the geology of the area. The geology of Salem region and the associated economic mineral deposits offer an excellent scope for research and advanced study to the students of the Geology Department of the Periyar University, which offers courses in M.Sc. (Applied Geology), M.Phil and Ph.D. programmes. The alumni of this department have distinguished themselves in academia, governmental organizations/laboratories and in mineral exploration and mining industry in different parts of the country and elsewhere.
Historically and culturally Salem district belongs to the Chera Kingdom of Kongu Nadu and the name Salem itself is derived from the Sanskrit root word Sailam denoting an area surrounded by rocky/ hilly terrain.
Seminar on Effects of Paleo and Anthropogenic Events on Earth System
As has been the convention, a National Seminar on "Effects of
Paleo and Anthropogenic Events on Earth System" was organized
during 19-21 September, 2018 to coincide with the Annual General Meeting - 2018 of the Geological Society of India.
Prof. R. Venkatachalapathy, Convener and Organizing Secretary
(a)
of the seminar along with his enthusiastic band of colleagues from the Department of Geology, Periyar University toiled hard to organize a very successful and content-rich seminar. The inaugural function of the Seminar was conducted in the auditorium of Hotel Radisson, Salem on the forenoon of 19th September, 2018 with
Professor P. Koalndaivel, Vice-Chancellor, Periyar University in the Chair.
Release of Abstract Volume of the Seminar
Prof. Kolandaivel in his presidential address expressed his happiness that the Seminar and the AGM of the Geological Society of India were being held at Salem, which is known as Geologist’s Paradise in view of its mineral wealth, mining industry and geological complexity. He highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of modern scientific research, where exciting new insights are being obtained from the transitional or border areas of natural sciences. He hoped that the Seminar organized to coincide with the AGM of the Geological Society of India would deliberate in depth on the paleo as well as more recent anthropogenic events on Earth Systems and remedial measures needed on priority basis to mitigate them to some extent.
both nationally and internationally in the cause of earth sciences and sought the cooperation and support of the younger generation of scholars in furthering such activities
Dr. P. Raja, Ex. Executive Director, ONGC, Prof. Jai Krishna, HOD (retd.), CAS in Geology, BHU, Varanasi, Prof. S.P. Mohan, HOD (Retd.), Dept. of Geology, University of Madras, Prof. K. Anbarasu, Director , National College, Thiruchirapalli and Dr. M. Prithviraj, Dean, Manipal Academy of Higher Education were guests of honour at the inaugural function.
Dr. P. Chandrasekaran, Director (Exploration & Development), Oil India Limited in his inaugural address stressed on the need to conserve our biosphere, while harnessing our natural resources. He gave a bird’s eye view of our hydrocarbon resources and exploration efforts in the country in the global context and emphasized on the key role to be played by Earth Sciences in sustainable development of mankind. The inaugural session was concluded by vote of thanks proposed by Dr. V. Thirukumaran, Member, Local Organising Committee.
The first technical session of the Seminar in the forenoon was devoted specifically to the keynote addresses by invited speakers. The first lecture was on “Geosciences in Energy Security” by Dr. P. Chandrasekaran, Director (E&D), Oil India Limited, wherein he summarised the present status of our knowledge on the role played by geological sciences in the global energy security with special reference to India. 80-90% of the global energy requirements are still met by hydrocarbons/gas/coal, though there is an ongoing effort to increase the share of hydro/solar/wind energy. There is a distinct moving away from coal though the reduction in the dependence on hydrocarbons is yet not very significant.
He also made a brief mention of the new Meghalayan Stage as the latest uppermost subdivision of Holocene, beginning at 4200 years BP, ratified by the International Commission on Stratigraphy in July 2018 with the global boundary stratotype section and point recognised in the Mawmluh cave formation in Meghalaya, NE India. He also hinted at the greater role being played by Big Data Analysis (BDA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in energy planning and management.
The second key note address on “The Indian Mega Sequences: Salient Features and Major Events” by Prof. Jai Krishna, Banaras Hindu University dealt with the four giga- and twelve mega-sequences in the Indian geological record developed based on tecteno-thermal events, crustal growth stages and composition, aggregation and segregation, zircon events, large stratigraphic gaps, major quantum biotic changes, plate tectonically controlled mineralization events, changes in ocean water chemistry, and significant transgressions and regressions.
The third key note address on “Petroleum Exploration and Exploitation” by P. Raja, formerly Executive Director, ONGC gave a lucid account of evolving exploration and also exploitation methodologies of hydrocarbons based on his rich professional experience.
A well brought out Abstracts Volume containing 99-abstracts gave the participants a glimpse into the broad spectrum of themes handled in the Seminar.
The technical sessions of the Seminar from the afternoon of 19, September began each time by an invited lecture followed by presentations. The Technical Sessions on 20th and 21st September dealt with following themes: 1. Tectonic History, Major Boundary Events and Mass Extinctions 2. Bio-Events and Paleoenvironment 3. Paleoenvironment and Paleobiogeography 4. Paleoclimate and Climate Change 5. Coastal Geomorphology, Ecosystems and Pollution 6. Overexploitation of Groundwater and Agriculture and Sustainable Development of Mining Industry.
In addition to the key note addresses mentioned above, invited talks and special paper presentations were dove-tailed at the beginning
Release of Abstract Volume of the Seminar
Prof. Harsh K. Gupta, President of the Geological Society of India in his address appreciated the invitation from Periyar University to hold the AGM of the Society at Salem known for its mineral endowments and fascinating geology and the opportunity provided to a large number of earth scientists to gather and discuss matters of great contemporary relevance to earth system sciences. He recounted the increasing multifarious activities of the Geological Society of India
of the technical sessions during the Seminar. Mention may be made of the invited talk on “Understanding the Evolution of Early Life on the Earth” by Prof. Mukund Sharma, a special paper on the “Precambrians of South India: Need for resolving Divergent and Conflicting Views” by Prof. K.R. Subrahmanya, a special paper on “Ichnoassemblages and Tiering in Cretaceous Giumi Formation, Spiti Himalayas: Implications for understanding colonization of turbidite sequence in deep sea environment” by Professor Bhagawan Singh, G. Desai and Rajendra Dutt Saklani , an invited talk on “Climate Change and its Impact with Reference to Chennai City” by Prof. R.R. Krishnamurthy and a special presentation on “Exploration of Ocean Resources” by Dr. A.N. Singh. an invited talk on “Ecological Balancing During Progressive Mine Closure in Neyveli Lignite Mine-2” by Shri S. Kumaraswamy.
Excellent arrangements for poster presentations were made during the lunch/tea-breaks of the seminar eliciting a good response from the participants. A cultural programme was organized on the evening of 19th with classical dances and music laced with the rich local folk
heritage that captivated the participants. The cultural event was preceded by special interactive session for research scholars and students with subject experts and Awardees with good resonance from the younger generation of budding earth-scientists.
The Valedictory function of the Seminar was held on 21st
September afternoon with Shri R.H. Sawkar, Secretary of the Geological Society of India in the Chair. Dr. S. Raju, Deputy Director General of the Geological Survey of India in-charge of International Wing and International Geological Congress delivered his valedictory address online. He emphasized the great opportunity afforded to the Indian Earth Science Community to host the IGC in India again, after a lapse of many years and the need for Government Departments, Academia and Professional scientific associations like the Geological Society of India to contribute their mite in making the Congress a great success.
The Prof. C. Mahadevan Endowment Lecture of the Geological Society of India delivered by Shri Subhajyoti Das, formerly Regional Director, Central Groundwater Board, Bangalore followed. Shri Das in his exhaustive and detailed presentation on “Frontiers of Hydrogeology–Seven Decades in India” sketched the post-independence developments in Hydrogeology with special reference to the exponential increase in the exploitation of groundwater resources and the present predicament of the country with reference to the management of surface and groundwater resources which are inextricably linked to each other in a decisive fashion.
The valedictory programme concluded by a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. R. Suresh, Syndicate Member, Periyar University and Member of the local organising committee of the Seminar.
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 2018
The AGM-2018 of the Geological Society of India hosted by the Department of Geology, Periyar University, Salem was conducted in the conference hall of Hotel Radisson on 19th September 2018 at
3.30 pm. In addition to the Fellows of the Geological Society of India, a large number of faculty, students of the Geology Department as well as participants in the Seminar graced the occasion with Prof. H.K. Gupta, President of the Society, in the Chair.
As an evolving convention in more recent years, the AGM was preceded by R. Prahlada Rao Endowment Lecture of the Society, delivered by Shri D.V. Pichamuthu, Chairman, Mining Engineering Division, Board of Institution of Engineers and formerly Managing Director of Almora Magnesite Ltd., on the topic “Indian Mining Industry: At the Cross Roads”. Prof. Gupta in his introductory remarks recounted his association with Shri Pichamuthu right from the student days at ISM, Dhanbad and the subsequent career in the
Mining Industry with many notable contributions. Shri Pichamuthu in his lecture presented a not too happy scenario of the mining industry in the country owing to several complex factors including lack of a coherent long-term policy of mineral exploration and exploitation, tardy bureaucratic implementation of policies and last but not the least, the unhealthy mining practices adopted by a segment of the mining industry in the past causing at times irreparable harm to the environment and public apathy to mining per se. Judicious exploitation of mineral resources is an indispensable prerequisite for economic growth and prosperity of any nation and the mining industry has a great role to play in the process in collaboration with the geological sciences, laying emphasis on sustainability and exhibiting environmental sensitivity.
Prof. Harsh K. Gupta in his opening remarks welcomed all the Fellows, participants in the Seminar and the Awardees of the Society for making it to Salem. He expressed the gratitude of the Society to the Geology Department, Periyar University for hosting the events in an impeccable fashion, and more particularly to Prof. R. Venkatachalapathy, the Convener of the Seminar and his team of faculty and students who spared no effort in making all the participants feel at home and comfortable.
Shri R.H. Sawkar, Secretary of the Geological Society of India read out the notice of the AGM of the Society to consider and adopt the Annual Report of the Society as well as the Audited Statement of Accounts. The first item of the agenda taken up for consideration by the General Body was the confirmation of the minutes of the AGM for the year 2016-17, which was unanimously approved. This was followed by the presentation of the Annual Report for
Shri R.H. Sawkar, Secretary, Geological Society of India
18 by the Secretary. The annual report contained the wide gamut of activities of the Geological Society of India for the period 2017-18 both nationally and internationally. He also highlighted the publication activities of the Society. The Secretary’s report was proposed for acceptance by Prof. R. Venkatachalapathy and duly seconded by Dr. Nilesh Bhat. Accordingly, the General Body accepted and approved the Annual Report.
PRESENTATION OF SOCIETY AWARDS – 2018
The Geological Society of India has from time to time instituted several awards to recognize and honour Earth Scientists who have contributed significantly to the furtherance of knowledge in different fields of the Geological Sciences. Following Awards for 2018 were conferred by the President of the Society, Prof. H.K. Gupta, at the concluding part of the Annual General Meeting of the Society held at Periyar University, on the afternoon of 19th September, 2018:
L. RAMA RAO BIRTH CENTENARY AWARD
Awarded to Prof. Mukund Sharma, Professor, Center for Advanced Studies in Geology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. His citation reads as follows:
Prof. Mukund Sharma has outstanding contributions in Palaeobiology of Indian Precambrians. He has reported syngenetic fossil cyanobacteria from >2600 Ma Neoarchaean Iron Formation of Karnataka. His studies on 1600 Ma old Vindhyan Supergroup demonstrated that Grypanaispiralis considered to be a eukaryotic fossil is actually a coiled long sheath of prokaryotic cyanobacteria.
Chuaria-Tawuia, which were considered as independent life forms for more
than a century, were shown by him as representing two stages of life cycles of same organism. From Neoproterozoic Bhima Group, he reported multicellular organisms which showed that they evolved ca 720 Ma ago, much earlier than Ediacaran Period (635-541 Ma).
throughout the years I have had opportunities to work with great minds and meet great friends while working on Precambrian Palaeobiology. They have left an enormous impact on my professional life.
On occasions such as this, it is but natural to reflect on one’s professional career, to recall all those who helped advance my career. My memory goes back to my initiation in the field of research, when the lectures delivered by legendary Prof. J.W. Schopf of the University of California, Los Angeles, USA and Dr. B.P. Radhakrishna, the then Editor of the Journal of the Geological Society of India, in Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany (now Palaeosciences) aroused interest in me on the scope of research in the field of the Precambrian Biosphere and carve a niche for self. Over the years, it came true when many of our contributions got recognized by way of different medals and awards. Today is the special day for me when I receive a medal instituted in the name of legendary Prof. L. Rama Rao whose contributions in the field of Stratigraphy and Palaeontology are well known. I consider it more than a great honour for me to receive this award which was given in the past to my mentor Dr. B.S. Venkatachala and my teacher at the University of Lucknow, Prof. I. B. Singh. Dr. Venkatachala not only initiated me in research but also taught me several lessons in the field of research career which are not taught in any college or university such as pan-research issues, comprehensive-ness in dealing with any research problem. This training resulted into my contributions in the forms of monographic works on stromatolites, microfossils and resolving many Precambrian conundrums. I owe tremendous intellectual debts to late Dr. B.S. Venkatachala and late Dr. Manoj Shukla, who always inspired and guided me in my endeavors of exploring new methods and new questions. They were convinced that I needed independent handling of my work to become analytically sound Precambrian Palaeobiologist. The extent to which I am a Precambrian Palaeobiologists is a reflection of their advice and guidance. If Dr. Venkatachala introduced the Precambrian Palaeobiology, Dr. Shukla taught me intricacies of the field work. I am grateful to these departed souls for sharing experience and wisdom. Far from my field of specialization, I received tremendous help and constructive suggestions from Dr. H.K. Maheshwari on my work which helped me a lot in improving and shaping my arguments in research work. He influenced me by his writing skills.
Understanding the evolution of the Precambrian-Biosphere requires knowledge and inputs from other fields i.e., the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. My long discussions with my colleagues and teachers were very fruitful. Over the years, I have been fortunate to be associated with a number of outstanding scientists beyond the walls of the BSIP. I will be failing in my duties if I don’t remember a battery of young scholars and colleagues who were associated with me in my journey and their constant inquiry into research helped me evolve models for appearance of organisms in Precambrian Biosphere. Successive Directors and authorities of BSIP provided much needed opportunities and support to excel in my endeavours.
Lastly, I will be mean if I don’t recall the unconditional support of my wife Alka to pursue my other love –the Palaeobotany/ Palaeobiology. Without her affection and patience I would not have gone so long personally and professionally.
I once again thank the Geological Society of India for this honour.
N. N. CHATTERJEE AWARD
Awarded to Prof. Prakash K. Singh Professor, Center for Advanced Studies in Geology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. His citation reads as follows:
Prof. P.K. Singh has been working on the petrological and geochemical characterization and evolution of Gondwana and Tertiary coals/lignites of India for around three decades. Prof. Singh has made significant scientific contributions in the field of coal geology. His
He co-authored monographs on ‘Proterozoic Fossil Cyanobacteria’ and ‘Stromatolites of India and Russia’. He has edited a special volume of ‘Journal of Asian Earth Sciences on Proterozoic Basins of India’.
Recognizing his expertise and contributions to the Precambrian Palaeobiology, experience in field geology and organizational capabilities, NASA entrusted him to coordinate and organize ‘NASA Spaceward Bound India 2016’ Program in the country to select spots for Mars analogue habitats on Earth and life in extreme conditions. He successfully organized a meeting in Ladakh for 10 days in which 32 Astrobiologists participated. This expedition was covered by the National Geographic and an illustrated article was published on the activities of the workshop.
The reply of Prof. Mukund Sharma reads as follows:
work related to Clean Fuel from Coal is a new insight for future research. He could successfully employ Mixed Bacterial Consortium for the removal of environmentally sensitive trace elements from coal and his work on ‘Petrographic considerations in demineralization of coal with bacteria’ would add a new dimension to the ongoing researches on Clean Coal Technology. Further, his work on
Desulfurization of Coals by bacteria (Ralstonia sp and Pseudo-xanthomonas sp, Pseudomonas mendocina strain B6-1) has attracted
the attention of coal industry, particularly the controls of different pyrite forms (‘framboidal’, ‘disseminated’, ‘cavity & fissure fillings’,
‘massive replacement’ and ‘discrete grains’) on desulfurization.
His work on petrological and geochemical considerations for exploration of hydrocarbon in the coal basins and their potential
Introducing the awardees of the JGSI – Radhakrishna Prize, the President in his citation said:
Prof. K.R. Subrahmanya, Former Professor in Marine Geology, Mangalore University, Mangalore, carried out significant research work in the fields of Marine Geology, Geodynamics and Coastal Geomorphology. He has made notable contributions in these fields and to mention a few, the work on the Active Intraplate Deformation in South India and the Tecteno-Magmatic Evolution of the West Coast of India may be highlighted.
Recently he has been working on impact structures and discovered an extra terrestrial impact site in Peninsular India. It is the fourth largest known example, with a diameter of 120 km. The paper in which they described the structure has attracted a good deal of attention from the earth science community. Research on impact craters in India is in its infancy; the Earth Impact Database lists only two modest onland examples in the country: Dhaia, diameter 11 km, and Lonar, diameter 1.83 km. Further work on the Kaveri Crater and its setting will doubtless shed light on more than the crater itself, including the Dharwar Craton – Granulite relationship, the east-west trending B R Hills, M M Hills, and Anaimalai and Kodaikanal ranges, and the origin of the Palghat Gap in the Western Ghats. But the key issue, clearly, by virtue of its bearing on the global biological, climatic and astronomical record, is the age of the impact. The authors tentatively place it close to the Proterozoic-Palaeozoic boundary. If this is confirmed, India’s geological history will occupy a crucial place in the Earth’s organic evolution.
Reply of Prof. K.R. Subrahmanya reads as follows:
We feel deeply honoured for this unique and prestigious recognition, as the title involves both Geological Society of India and Dr. B.P. Radhakrishna (BPR). We express our immense gratitude to the President and the Council of the Geological Society of India (GSI). This prize is very significant for me (KRS) as it is named after BPR. I have received a lot of encouragement from him during my earlier work. I will cite one incidence. After going through the publication – Active Intraplate Deformation in South India (1996), BPR asked me to deliver a lecture in the GSI, which I did. Immediately after I concluded my talk, BPR stood up and remarked – “THIS IS GEOLOGY”. This
utilization has been instrumental and would help the oil industry in targeting and prioritizing the coal basins and formulating the strategies for hydrocarbon exploration.
The reply of Prof. Prakash K. Singh reads as follows:
I feel deeply privileged and honored in receiving prestigious N. N. Chatterjee award for the year 2018. I am highly indebted to the President and the Council members of the Geological Society of India for bestowing this honor. At present, I am working on various aspects of coal science and the major fields of my research include-‘Paleomires of Western India involving coal petrological and geochemical tools’, ‘desulfurization and demineralization of coal with bacteria’, ‘Hydrocarbon Prospects in the shales of Spiti and Chikkim Formations of Tethys Himalaya and Kaveri basin’, ‘Reconstruction of terrestrial temperature during Paleogene using organic geochemical proxies’.
At this moment, I remember all my teachers for imparting not only the geological training but also for showing the real path of art-of-living. I dedicate this award to my parents. I can never forget the help and blessings I got from them. My father, Late Prof. Jagdeo Singh has always been my role-model for all my endeavors and he was a fatherly figure in the field of Geophysics. I express my deep sense of gratitude to my mentor Late Prof. M.P. Singh who had a major role in shaping my career. His patience and encouragement, to a great extent, are responsible for my career choice and career values in the field of Coal Geology. It would not be fair if I don’t mention about my wife, Dr. Asha Lata Singh, who helped me overcome all the struggles, and to my daughter Anjali, who has supported me throughout. I shall be failing in my duty, if I do not express my gratitude to my colleagues. Once again I express my deep sense of gratitude to the Society for conferring the coveted N.N. Chatterjee Award.
JGSI – RADHAKRISHNA PRIZE
For the year 2018 JGSI-Radhakrishna Prize was awarded to the authors of the research paper entitled “Kaveri Crater – An Impact Structure in the Precambrian Terrain of Southern India” by K.R. Subrahmanya and K.N. Prakash Narasimha published in the Journal of the Geological Society of India, v.90, no.4, 2017, pp.387–395.
K.R. Subrahmanya and K.N. Prakash Narasimha receiving JGSI-Radhakrishna Prize
statement which is firmly entrenched in my memory keeps resonating and reverberating.
guidance of Prof. C. Naganna. It is he who encouraged independent thinking in me.
It was during my service in Mangalore University that I started looking and understanding large size features like West Coast, Western Ghats, Mulki-Pulikat Lake Ridge, Palghat Gap etc. Coming to the work which has received recognition, existing ideas on Dharwars subduction, Palghat Gap and movement of Nilgiris continued to haunt me. Intensive study of three publications of GSI Memoirs, 25, 47, 50, and of slope maps, satellite images, led me to think of a totally different possibility – an Impact Crater!! In 2007, I sent an abstract of the paper on the Kaveri Crater for presentation in a seminar that was to be held at NGRI. Prior to the day of presentation, I had called on Dr. Shailesh Nayak, who at that time was heading INCOIS, Hyderabad. He was the first person to see the presentation and remarked that the argument is very convincing. Next day was the presentation at NGRI. The paper was well received which encouraged me to continue the effort. However, it was necessary to provide unambiguous field and laboratory evidences to make it acceptable to the specialists in the field.
It was in 2015, I met Prof. K.N. Prakash Narasimha of Centre for Advanced Studies in Precambrian Geology, University of Mysore. He had worked on Moyar Shear Zone and I was curious to see some of the samples in his collection. I was pleasantly surprised to see that thin sections of quartz in psuedotachylite samples had Planar Fracture like features. As this was significant, I sought his collaboration, for which he agreed. We were sanctioned a pilot project by MoES, primarily for field investigations. Field traverses and petrographic studies strengthened our idea, which led us to publish the work. However, being a totally new concept, the process of review was extremely rigorous. One of the reviewers had comments, remarks, objections to almost each and every sentence. The paper underwent multiple revisions. This tough review resulted in a refined acceptable version. The reviewers deserve appreciation for their meticulous scrutiny and concern for highest standards.
We have been helped by many. Some of them find a place in the acknowledgment part of the Publication. Prof. B. Mahabaleswar guided KRS during reconnaissance survey. Initiative for nomination came from unexpected quarters. Prof. Claudio Vita-Finzi, (UCL), himself not being a Fellow of the Society, requested Dr. Shailesh Nayak, (NIAS), who graciously agreed to nominate. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of them.
As stated by the President in the citation, a lot more work needs to be done. We have sought collaboration from two more researchers and seeking assistance from MoES for a full-fledged Project. The recognition we have received, will help us to pursue the work with greater enthusiasm, vigour and dedication. Thank you all, again.
PROF. K. NAHA AWARD
Awarded to Dr. Tridib Kumar Mondal, Assistant Professor, Department of Geological Sciences, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. His citation reads as follows:
Dr. T.K. Mondal brought to light several fundamental aspects about the time-relation between regional deformation, vein emplacement, fabric development in metabasalts and granites of Gadag region. Importantly, these aspects involved integration of field, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility data (AMS) and paleostress analyses that had not been attempted at this scale in any terrain in the world. He demonstrated that gold mineralization in the region was associated with fluid pressure fluctuation during regional D3 deformation of Dharwar region and was able to quantify the relative stress and fluid pressure conditions that led to this by plotting the 3D Mohr stress circle from vein orientation data. This unique approach has subsequently formed the basis of scaling the Mohr circle by later
workers, thus making Dr. Mondal’s contribution very fundamental in nature. Dr. Mondal also presented a tectonic model to explain the emplacement of granites in West Dharwar craton and used oblique-slip normal faults present in the granite to evaluate the paleostress and Reidel shearing.
Dr. T.K. Mondal has also recently performed stress analysis using fractures in micro-granitoid enclaves, which is a very fundamental contributions dealing with mechanics of fracturing in microgranitoid enclaves that were not looked into earlier.
Reply of Prof. Tridib Kumar Mondal reads as follows:
I am extremely delighted to receive K. Naha award for structural geology in this august gathering. At the outset, I sincerely thank the President and Council Members of the Geological Society of India for choosing my work for this Award. I thank Department of Geological Sciences, Jadavpur University for providing moral and logistic support to achieve this distinction. Prof. Manish A. Mamtani was very kind as my PhD supervisor at IIT Kharagpur to give me an opportunity to work in the Gadag Schist belt, India that paved a path to work on the fabric analysis, paleostress and vein emplacement. He is the person who continuously motivated me to work hard and taught me how to do research with clarity and ethics.
It was a great opportunity to work with Prof. Saibal Gupta and Dr. Surajit Misra who imparted training on field structural geology and tectonics. I thank my M. Tech. supervisor Prof. Arindam Basu for his sincere guidance in rock mechanics. I am also grateful to Sri Sawkar and Prof. Pulak Sengupta for their motivating words and moral support towards my research and teaching. I am thankful to all my teachers and students who have given me the opportunity to think deeply on the fundamentals of structural geology and tectonics.
Last but not the least, I would not have been here to receive this honour, without continuous support from my family. I dedicate this award to my father Sri Bama Charan Mondal and my wife Smt. Swarnasree Mondal.
PROF. JAGDEO SINGH AWARD (2016-17)
Prof. Jagdeo Singh Award was awarded to the research paper entitled”Seismic Attenuation for Characterization of Gas Hydrate
Reservoir in Krishna-Godavari Basin, Eastern Indian Margin” by Veligeti Jyothi, Kalachand Sain, Vivekanand Pandey and Ajoy
K. Bhaumik published in Journal of the Geological Society of India, 2017, v.90, pp.251-266.
Introducing the winners of the Jagdeo Singh Award, the President in his citation said:
Dr. Veligeti Jyothi, Scientist, NGRI, Hyderabad, Telangana computed seismic attenuation (inverse of quality factor (Q)) based on logarithm spectral ratio and demonstrated that hydrate-bearing sediments above the BSR exhibit low attenuation or high Q and underlying free-gas saturated sediments show high attenuation or low Q in the KG basin, where gas hydrates were established by drilling and coring. Thus, the study is very important for not only identifying gas-hydrates without a Bottom-Simulating Reflector (BSR), the main marker for gas hydrates or ascertaining if a BSR is related to
hydrates, but also for quantification if a relation is established between attenuation and saturation of gas-hydrates.
Reply of Dr. Veligeti Jyoti reads as follows:
This is a great honour and I am overwhelmed in receiving this Award of the Geological Society of India. I express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Harsh Gupta, President of the Society and other Council Members for choosing our work on gas-hydrates for the Jagdeo Singh Award–2017. Gas-hydrates are considered as major future fuels of India, and I was lucky to be associated with this work being pursued at CSIR-NGRI. This Award would certainly inspire me in advancing my current researches to a greater height. I owe a lot to CSIR-NGRI that gave me a platform to do research at this challenging but promising field towards the energy security. I shall fail in my duty if I do not accord special acknowledgment to Dr. Kalachand Sain, my mentor and guide, who has not only inspired and motivated me in continuing research but also taught me the basic and advanced seismic data processing and computation of seismic attributes. I thank other co-authors – Mr. Pandey and Dr. Bhaumik for their contributions that have culminated into this best paper award. I thank all my teachers who inculcated in me sound work ethics and imparted fundamentals of geophysics with clarity. I accept the award with humility and would whole-heartedly pursue my research efforts.
HARI NARAIN AWARD
The President mentioned that this award is bestowed on Prof. V.L.S. Bhimasankaram, Formerly Prof. & Head, Centre of Exploration Geophysics and Dean Faculty of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad and formerly CMD, APMDC, Hyderabad. Prof. Bhimasankaram unfortunately could not be present at Salem to receive the award, as he was indisposed. Prof. H.K. Gupta said that the award would be passed to him in Hyderabad at an appropriate occasion. The citation of Prof. V.L.S. Bhimasankaram reads as follows:
Prof. V.L.S. Bhimasankaram’s was the first ever doctoral degree from any Indian University in Applied Geophysics and his work won a coveted International Award. He was a research guide for 23 Ph.Ds in Geophysics and he is the senior most professor of Geophysics in the country.
He is a prolific writer and wrote five books on Geophysics, more than 100 scientific papers and edited AEG Journal for 12 years. He edited a book in Telegu on Geophysics and a scientific Journal in Telegu for five years. He edited Telugu encyclopedia (Vol.2) for AP Sahitya Academy.
Prof. Bhimasankaram visited several countries on scientific missions and research programs. He has the honor of working with Nobel Laureatte, Prof. (Lord) PMS. Blakett at Imperial College, London.
He has several Awards and Honors to his credit both in the field of Geophysics and Telugu literature.
The written reply of Prof. V.L.S. Bhimasankaram, reads as follows:
I am thankful to the President and Office Bearers of the Geological Society of India for conferring on me the Hari Narain Award.
I am now 87 years old and entering 88 shortly. I was therefore surprised when I came to know that I was selected for the Award, and was really in a dilemma whether I should agree to this offer at this late age in my life. However, I decided to thankfully accept it due to two reasons. Firstly, it was offered by a highly prestigious Society, the GSI and this itself is a great honor. Secondly, it was associated with the name of a great Geophysicist of India, Dr. Hari Narain.
Started over sixty years ago, the Geological Society of India richly deserves our commendation for the outstanding work it has been doing in promoting the science of geology. I personally came in contact with the architect of this Society, Dr. B.P. Radhakrishna, the iron man who not only shaped the organization, but brought it to its present glory. Some of the doyens of this Society, like Sri M.B. Ramachandrarao, Dr. Pichamuthu, Prof. Viswanathaiah, Prof. Sadasivaiah, Prof. Venkatachalapathy, Prof. Naganna who need to be remembered on this occasion, are well known to me and the present honor by the GSI gives me great pleasure of remembrance of the good old days.
It was in 1963, I returned from the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Blackett’s Laboratory in London to Osmania University, Hyderabad, and joined
as Reader in Geophysics in the Geology Department. In 1964, I started a one year PG course in Geophysics, and 1967, a 3 year full-fledged M.Sc Tech course. In the same year, I was elevated as Professor of Geophysics, and a new Department of Geophysics and the prestigious Center of Exploration Geophysics (CEG) (with technical collaboration of the USSR, and fully funded munificently by the Govt. of India) were started with me as the Head.
In 1962, an year before I joined the Osmania, the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) was established in Hyderabad and stationed in our Geology Department building, with the famous Geologist Dr. M.S. Krishnan, as its first Director. In 1964, Dr. Hari Narain joined the NGRI as its Director. It was then that I met him for the first time and we became closely associated with each other in a few years.
In a few months after joining, Dr. Hari Narain shifted the NGRI from the Osmania university campus to some private buildings nearby, and in a course of a few years well planned huge complex of buildings got constructed, and with his un-paralleled dynamism coupled with hard work he expanded the NGRI into gigantic proportions and molded it as a top class Geophysical Research Centre in the World.
My thankfulness to Dr. Hari Narain is particularly due to his close association with me in shaping the Center of Exploration Geophysics under me as the largest Geophysics teaching center in our Country by participating in our efforts and giving the needed help and advice. Similarly, I used to participate in some of the NGRI committees, and thus our association became closer and closer, and it is with great reverence to him, as much as to the Geological Society of India, that I have agreed to accept the Hari Narain Award today.
Geological Society of India M.S. RAO and
Bangalore - 560 019 K.S. GODHAVARI
