The elevents KMCT Memorial lecture was held on 23 Mar 2024. The lecture was given by Shri Dhananjay Mohabey.. The topic of the lecture was - "Dinosaurs in India 67 million years back: Discoveries, Diversities and Extinction - Hard Evidences". The MS Teams video recording of this lecture is available here. You can use this forum post to comment and discuss on the lecture and see replies from the group as well as the speaker.

The tenth KMCT Memorial lecture was held on 19 Jan 2024. The lecture was given by Shri R K Srinivasan.. The topic of the lecture was - "The Indian Lunar Exploration Programme". The MS Teams video recording of this lecture is available here.(https://youtu.be/fjA6BCAzKZA) You can use this forum post to comment and discuss on the lecture and see replies from the group as well as the speaker.

The ninth KMCT Memorial lecture was held on 09 Nov 2023. The lecture was given by (Prof) Dr A R Kulkarni.. The topic of the lecture was - "Mining and Environment". The MS Teams video recording of this lecture is available here.(https://youtu.be/7dqmCyqHefc) You can use this forum post to comment and discuss on the lecture and see replies from the group as well as the speaker.

The eighth KMCT Memorial lecture was held on 25 Jul 2023. The lecture was given by Sri Kalachand Sain.. The topic of the lecture was - "Application of AI ML to Geosciences". The MS Teams video recording of this lecture is available here. You can use this forum post to comment and discuss on the lecture and see replies from the group as well as the speaker.

The sixth KMCT Memorial lecture was held on 22 Nov 2022. The lecture was given by Sri Syed Khail.. The topic of the lecture was - "Ecosystem Restoration". The MS Teams video recording of this lecture is available here. You can use this forum post to comment and discuss on the lecture and see replies from the group as well as the speaker.

The fifth KMCT Memorial lecture was held on 14 July 2022. The lecture was given by Dr. S. Satheesh Chandra Shenoi, FASc., FNASc.. The topic of the lecture was - "Importance of Deep-Sea Technology and Ocean Science for India’s Economy". The MS Teams video recording of this lecture is available here. You can use this forum post to comment and discuss on the lecture and see replies from the group as well as the speaker.

The fourth KMCT Memorial lecture was held on 23 March 2021. The lecture was given by Dr Saibal Ghosh, Deputy Director General (Geology), GSI, ER, Kolkata. The topic of the lecture was - "Landslide Scenarios and Studies in India – A Review". The MS Teams video recording of this lecture is available here. You can use this forum post to comment and discuss on the lecture and see replies from the group as well as the speaker.

Dr S.K.Wadhavan, GSI (Retd.) With great pleasure and pride, I am obliged to share my learning experiences and highly rewarding interactions with Sri K. Krishnanunni sahib on two major occasions in GSI. My first friendly encounter with Sri Krishnanunni sahib was at GSI Training Institute Raipur Camp, where I had been attending a Refresher Course on Environmental Geology, that was organized from 9th to 21st September 1996. Sri R. N. Mishra was the Dy. Director General at TI HQ Hyderabad. Sri Krishnanunni had come as a guest faculty to deliver lectures and conduct practical on ‘Role of Photo Geology & Remote Sensing’ in preparing geospatial layers of useful information as interpreted and derivative thematic maps and their relevance to change detection and interpreting the futuristic trends. He appeared very unassuming, down to earth person who had lot of courage of conviction and proud of sharing his immense knowledge and experiences on application of emerging modern technology with his junior colleagues. Sri Krishnanunni combined grace and mastery over subject that comes from dedicated practice and would make his lectures interactive and interesting for us all. Needless to state that he was instantly liked and respected by us all the trainees. During the tea breaks he would prefer discussing with us trainees rather than sit on the high table reserved for the faculty and Camp-in-Charge. Besides, we shared our impressions on why our career progression in GSI was so slow, neglected and badly managed, as stagnation was beginning to kill overall enthusiasm and drive of national organization. He empathized and agreed on the dismal situation in a professional organization where merit was not always rewarded or recognized that dampened the spirit of young professional Geoscientists. We lamented that expansion of GSI through UPSC competitive exams and interviews had brought about changed attitudes and such selections without a ‘cut-off grade’ on performance levels was detrimental to competency framework of GSI. As we shared our passion for GSI-SOA activities, our discussions also centered around providing enhanced facilities and allowances to field going officers and the hot topic of the times - scope for acceptance and implementation of ‘Flexible Complimenting System’ for streams of scientific officers in GSI, leading to improved chances of regular time-bound promotions. That was also the GSI-SOA national agenda. Those were the heady days when our seniors used to fully support and nurture the Association for promotion of welfare, scientific culture and building next generation of leadership through common agenda and collective application of mind to find viable solutions to vexing problems of generic nature. I distinctly remember his advice that time was: apart from our pursuing with the Cadre-holding Authority – the Ministry of Mines, we should focus more on acquiring newer skill sets and hone our expertise on a bunch of selected subjects/ branches in Geology. And fortunately, that freedom of choice for pursuit of selected branch of geoscience by individuals had always been promoted through mentoring, widespread bonhomie and comaraderie in GSI. Choices for Sri Krishnanunni had obviously included learning and promoting application of modern tools of PGRS aiding geospatial data interpretation in Geosciences and delivering outcomes as public good geoscience, pertaining to say environmental geology, mining and addressing related hazards and restoration of environmental conditions, mitigation strategies for geohazards and rural & urban geology. One of his greatest contributions to the Geological Survey of India and the society had been the conception and development of village economy through mineral assessment programme ‘DOVEMAP’, aimed at improving village economy and creating employment opportunities in rural area. The innovative idea was highly appreciated by many decision makers and huge database was created on several area specific large-scale maps, but could not be not be followed-up due to reasons beyond mandate of GSI. As I had completed and topped in the one-year long V Regular Course in PGRS at Hyderabad [1984-85], I had taken special interest while interacting with him. It was a marvelous opportunity for me to absorb as much of his erudite grip on the subject and practical applications with case studies as possible. It was a truly a very enriching experience. Three years later, my second friendly encounter with Sri Krishnanunni, who had become Sr. Dy. Director General since November 1997 and posted at CHQ Kolkata, was during two-days Colloquium on ‘Role of GSI in Early 21st Century” that was organized in GSI Western Region, Jaipur on 30th September and 1st October, 1999. Sri B.D. Dungrakoti was the Dy.D.G. & HoD WR and Dr. R. S. Goyal, Director was made the organising Secretary. All the known stalwarts of GSI from CHQ and other Regions had come to attend. Dr. S. K. Acharya was the DG GSI and other galaxy of very leaned and eminent participants included Sri Ravi Shankar, K. Krishnanunni, Dr. Sujit Mazumder, Dr. B.P. Bhattacharya, Y.K. Arora and several others. As a normal practice during organization of such major events, several Committees of selected members were constituted in WR (Working Groups) for sharing collective responsibilities and putting in our best efforts in successful conduct of the show. I had been nominated to be part of the Recording and Compilation Committee along with S/Shri P.K. Sinha, V.P. Laul, A.K. Mukherjee and Dr A.K. Grover. Those were the days when the proceedings were recorded manually, as Minutes covering important decisions and recommendations. We were seated at vantage point on the front row of the Conference Hall. Sri Krishnanunni along with few others entered well before the time and looked at us seated already in position. He smiled, waved his hands and walked straight towards us. He had recognized me and displayed no qualms about walking towards junior colleagues to exchange some pleasantries. After knowing about our mission for recording the proceedings of the Colloquium, he suggested that emphasis was to be accorded on essence of the contents, the substance! The novel ideas and suggestions were more important than who said it. Such clarity of thought and open-minded attitude of an accomplished leader made our task less daunting and sharpened our focus. Sri Dungrakoti also came over and made encouraging interactions and later issued letters of appreciation for the job well done. Such personal touch and appreciation from seniors were highly motivating. On the dais, Sri Krishnanunni was steering the proceedings. It turned out to be a great brainstorming Session with intention to harness all worthy new ideas from one and all. Towards the evening, he particularly addressed the younger colleagues and announced that owing to time constraints all might not get opportunity to speak, but were welcome to submit their ideas and suggestions on the theme, GSI in 21st Century, in writing on a piece of paper and delivering to us - the Recording /Compilation Committee. Next day we were flooded with such submissions from different participants. Amongst several other worthy recommendations, it was here the seeds for launching National Geochemical and Geophysical Mapping in conjunction and integration with already completed geological mapping on 1:50k scale were sown. The foundations for strengthening and modernization of laboratories in GSI were firmed up. On HRD front, the FCS was advocated as suitable mode of career progression for the Group A scientific Officers in GSI. Later we learned that this Colloquium was more of an inhouse preparatory exercise for a much larges International Conference on the theme during 2001 organized at Kolkata, when GSI celebrated 150 years of its service to nation. Only people of strong will power and decisive minds like Sri K. Krishnanunni would adopt positive approach for managing the inevitable change for growth. He was always proactive and will act decisively to bring about the desired changes and make lasting impact. What a visionary leadership and search for prioritised role clarity of Geological Surveys in line with the latest global developments and the best advancements and practices to suit our national conditions and requirements! My revered departed noble soul.

B K Raina, GSI, Retd. Thank you for including me in this prestigious group in the memory of great Unni Sb. I had the privilege to serve with him both at NR, GSI, and subsequently and more closely in NER while being posted at Arunachal in mid nineties. Brilliant in his comprehension of diverse geological streams, he was a Scientist, one would love to work with. Absolutely modest in his approach and outlook, he would keep everyone at ease. One would always look forward to meet him and solicit his advice/reaction. Indeed Unni Sb shall remain a legend amongst his friends, colleagues and admirers. Our heartfelt tribute to his memory.

Prof S M Ramasamy, EX VC, Ex GSI KKU Sab , is far beyond excellence in all spheres from what ever azimuth and horizon you look at him .Though I did not have the fortune of working with him, I know him in close quarters since the day I was associated with ISRO- JEP programme. From then on, he started admiring my work and brought me to the highway of Remote sensing by making me to present the observations made in the above programme in the culmination workshop, then at ACRS held at Hyderabad. Then he wanted me for RRSSC, but since I revealed my desire of switching over to academia, he blessed me. Since then when I became the founder professor and established a good centre for geological applications, I was in touch and have been inviting him for all the 30 all-India refresher courses on remote sensing for the academicians I organized. He has delivered talks in 15 programmes. He is such a great man that in what ever position he was, will inform that he will neither require transport nor accommodation and would directly come to the venue. Similarly he will exactly reach the venue either in auto or cycle rickshaw. Such a great person he was. His lectures were hall marks ........ I think we will never see a person like him

U S N Reddy, G.S.I Krishnan unni garu always friendly with everybody irrespective of their cadre. During our stay at Bangalore AMSE wing he used to come very freely in each room and talk freely. Particularly with smoker like me he used to directly walk into my room to take cigarettes and he also expect the same reciprocate.

Dr. Anjan Chatterjee…GSI (retd.) Krishnanunni Sir's death in June 2020 was another very sad news in the chain of such shocking losses during 2020. We lost so many near and dear colleagues in a short span. A very straight forward and transparent personality he was. Even as Director he supported the Scientific Offrs Assn activities and gave valuable suggestions during our most turbulent phase in 1989-93. I still remember that once in 1991 we had a SOA Council Meeting in Kolkata. We were at the meeting venue in the office till dark. Krishnanunni Sir was there. When someone told him that as a Director how is he so actively involved in deliberations for the betterment of careers of officers whose future is jeopardised? He smiled, didn't make any filmy dialogues as the saviour but said two lines " I am sure I will become the no. 2 at a particular time. No one can rob me of my seniority and I don't aspire to be no.1." Again the Vintage Krishnanunni came alive in mid 1992. I was facing some personal problems but was transferred to NER Shillong wef July 1992. He was HoD, NR, then. That was the domain of Late Shri Balram Singh Yadav, Our then Minister, who was MP from Etawah. I spoke to Krishnanunni Sir one evening sometime in May 1992, requesting him for persuading the DG Sh C. P. Vohra to cancel my transfer. He said it cannot be done through normal requests and representations anyway now. He told me to try the political channel that could work. My friend and classmate Dr Shrikant Jichkar was MP (Rajya Sabha) then. It clicked with me and the transfer was cancelled. The point I would like to emphasize is that a DDG rank officer was genuinely concerned about the state of affairs and advised me, his Jr colleague the remedy. Though in principle, doing such political machination hurts one's conscience, seeing necessities and needs one (that's me) succumbs to his principles if any during such critical moments. Sadly, a few months later Krishnanunni Sir was transferred to NER due to some different reasons. He had refused to bend to unwritten political orders from Delhi. A photo geologist and remote sending expert of repute, he had initiated steps for best use of available remote sensing data to the hilt.

J K Bhalla GSI (retd.) I would like to continue from where Khalil left, as both of us were ' partners- in- crime' of whatever GSISOA for four years did with full intellectual and moral support of KKU. In fact he was at least two mental steps ahead of us even in our normal conversation and absolutely unambiguous about what he wanted to convey. In another incident pertaining to SOA activity, both Khalil and I managed to fix an appointment with a union cabinet minister by visiting his house in Guwahati- a rather rare achievement. Acutely aware of our own limitation in taking on a minister- who was a brilliant individual by any standards, we contemplated including KK in our delegation. Our apprehension was only because of this affecting his career which had the potential of his reaching the top. " What happened at Guwahati" he asked as soon as we entered his room at Kolkata. ' Yes, we got the appointment, but stuck on who goes with us in delegation" I said blandly. " You have me in mind?" " Yes" I said " but....... " You are bothered about my career" " Yes" I replied. Then he said - "Look, I am now a Director. Number one main banoonga nahin, aur number 2 banane se mujhe kisika Baap-tist bhi nahin rok sakta. I am coming with you. Saale minister ko bhi dekh lete hain. Koi kya ukhar lega" he declared in his trademark ISM Hindi- English combination. The delegation was finalized in two minutes flat.

S M Khalil (ex-GSI) What I am reading in these posts speaks volumes about the person who I think was a genius, plain and simple. He was not only super intelligent but was endowed with finest of human qualities. Make no mistake, he was fully aware of his brilliance but unlike most it went to the right side of his head. This made him more humane and more understanding of human values and stood out not only among his peers but amongst all of us. My interactions of over three decades with him initiated with SOA activities and ended up becoming good family friends. He was blessed with an amazing family. Simplicity, humbleness, and intelligence of Bhabhiji and both the sons is something unique in the sense that every member of family embodied that. We share their loss and very much hope that this well deserving effort to memorialize Krishnan Unni’s legacy will help ease their pain. Krishnan Unni and I remained in touch even though we were tens of thousands of miles apart. I am tempted to share one incident out of so many to reflect upon his multifaceted personality, his humility, his simple life style and above all his down-to-earth approach. We had sought an appointment with a Member of Parliament from Bihar whom we thought was sympathetic to our cause. Traveling to Delhi on short notice meant 3-tier train journey of almost 30 hours in grueling summer. He was a senior director and could easily travel by air but instead he preferred to give company. We Biharis are famous for our unadulterated mannerism and that particular MP personified that in toto. On the day of appointment Bhalla, Late B K Shrivastava and I wanted to reach before so as to introduce Krishnan Unni to the MP who preferred Hindi. We were fully aware and scared about Krishnanunni’s vocabulary of Hindi which was normally full of slangs he learned during his Indian School of Mine’s days. We wanted to avoid the disaster. But we got late and when we arrived both of them were deep in discussions that too in Hindi. The MP seems to enjoy KU’s Hindi. As we all know Bhalla is, and Late BK Shrivastava was, pretty articulate persons. But I don’t think any of them had to add much that day. I tell my sons who all remember Unni uncle (who used to visit us on Eid with sweets) that I have seen and known very few whom the adage “familiarity breeds contempt” does not hold true. The more you knew him the more you respected him, the more you loved and the more you wanted to be with him. That was the Krishnanunni I knew. My best to all.

Dr Prithvish Nag SOI (retd), ex-RRSSC My experience is also similar. I joined RRSSC then in Janardhan Towers on Residency Road in 1986. KU was the Director. Next year I was transferred to Dehra Dun. Later we both were in Kolkata. He with GSI and I with NATMO.

by Ananda Mohan Rakshit Shri Kalathinkal Krishnanunni was like my elder brother, my guide and my best friend. He was a thorough gentleman, kind and noble hearted person with amicable disposition. He was helpful to everybody and liked by one and all. I knew him since college days from 1959 in Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. He was one year senior to me. He passed in 1962 and stayed there for one year as a lecturer guiding us in all fields. Then he joined the Atomic minerals Division for sometime. He topped in Geologists Examination, 1964 and joined the Geological Survey of India. He was deputed to Indian Photo-Interpretation Institute for Photogeological training and topped there also securing Netherland Government Fellowship for advanced training in International Institute of Aerial Surveys and Earth Sciences formerly known as International Training Center (ITC). I followed his footsteps two years later to these institutes. Krishnanunni became very close and dear one to Prof. Pisharoti of Kerala, Dr. Satish Dhawan, chairman ISRO and Mr. V.K.S Varadhan, DG GSI. after his specialization in Remote Sensing. I had the opportunity to work with him either as his co-worker or as his subordinate but I never felt the difference. Since 1975 when I joined PGRS Division, CHQ, Kolkata on transfer from Jaipur. our earlier relations were revived and soon we became closer. I respected Krishnanunni as Lord Rama and always obeyed him . Besides routine work of the Division he twice asked me to prepare lectures with slides for two DG,GSI Mr. V.K.S. Varadhan and Mr. V.S. Krishnaswami. He also asked me to accompany them and assist them as and when required. I did so. Once he got me released from Training Institute duty by associating me with the collaborative project with ISRO. In 1978 myself and Krishnanunni were assigned the job of supervision of preparation of exhibits for COSPAR (International Committee on Space Research) Conference and Workshop at Bangalore. He asked me to go ahead with four Draftsmen from Kolkata. I did so. He joined me after nineteen days and we together finalised the materials in another ten days. That time our Director was Mr. T.K. Kurien and the job was done at PGRS Division, AMSE with Mr. J.G. Krishnamurthy and his officers. CHQ Draftsmen did wonderful work. The exhibits were highly appreciated at the Workhshop. We both were with our families and enjoyed the stay very much. Our families also became very close from then. At the end of the sessions of the conference a new International Project was taken as IGCP - 143 on Remote Sensing and Mineral Exploration for which Principal Investigator and co-ordinator was to be nominated . Krishnanunni should have been the automatic choice. But he himself proposed the name of Shri J.G.K.Krishnamurty as Principal Investigator and my name as coordinator.. It shows his greatness. However I was grateful to him and profusely thanked him as it resulted in a visit to Canada for me as an Indian National Delegate under the leadership of Prof. Yashpal in the next COSPAR in 1982. Krishnanunni became my Boss as Director PGRS Division CHQ. I had an assignment of remote sensing project in collaboration with ISRO in Singbhum area. I planned to go to field. He said that he would also like to come for a few days. I said, 'Yes Sir, you are welcome'. He sharply reacted saying ' Ye Sir, Sir kya hai, aur kabhi mat bolo, mujhe achchha nehi lagta. This was Krishnanunni !! I was camping at Mosabani Mines. One day I stayed in the Guest House. Then they allotted me a large vacant furnished quarter as I was to stay there for fifteen days or more. I was with my family. He also came with family by train to Ghatshila. I picked them up and brought them to Mosabani. I arranged for them a VIP Suite in the Guest House. He asked me in Hindi as ladies and children were also there, 'Tum kahan hai'. I said - in a nearby house allotted by Mines Authority. He immediately reacted saying, ' Isliye mei yahan aaya kya? Hamlog tum longo ke sath rahenge.' I requested Bhabiji to stay for a day there. Next day they were shifted to our quarter. They stayed for five days. Staying together was much more enjoyable and comfortable. Families came much more closer. On Sunday he said , 'No work today, we will go for Picnic. Where can we go?' I said, ' Best would be by the side of Subarnarekha river down the Moubhandar Guest House so that we can use the facilities there when required. So we went there . Children were happy to play with sand, water and pebbles. We could strolled alongside the river and chitchat. Jaga sing our driver who also liked Krishnanunni very much, brought lunch for us from the nearby market. After lunch, we spent some more time by the riverside. Then I suddenly saw that Krishnanunni was collecting the strewn chappals on a bedsheet and lifting the sheet said chalo. I felt ashamed but I knew that there was no point in telling him anything as he will not listen to any request. We went up to the Guest House, got freshened and some rest. At about 4 o'clock he said, 'Let us go.' He asked the ladies to the front seat, then put the children to the inside seats and told me 'tum bhi chhota hai andar chala jao'. Then he sat on the back door half inside and half outside and told the driver to move. This is what was Krishnanunni, my boss. Hats off to him. Once I could not fulfil his desire. During formation of RRSSC and NRSA He asked me if I would join there with him. I expressed my difficulties in shifting my family from Kolkata at that stage of my children's education. He said, All right, never mind, I can understand your problems.' During my promotion to Dy.D.G. he called me and asked where I would like to be got posted. I said, 'I have no choice, you can post me anywhere you feel good. Then he told me, ' I have thought of posting you as DDG, OP, AMSE, where you can improve upon the situations in PGRS and outside operational units activities.' I said,' It is all right, I shall try my best.' After two years when he visited Bangalore he met me and discussed about the state of work in details. He expressed his satisfaction and said that DG is also happy about the work done. He also asked me if I am happy there. I said, ' It is all right but recently there are some problems in my family in Kolkata which need proper attention.' He got me transferred to Kolkata during placement of new DDGs before retirement of Dr. S.K.Acharya in 2000. I was posted in Operation, Map-PGRS-Publication-GEODATA. He was so sympathetic and considerate. Soon he became DG,GSI and asked me to improve upon the stagnant situations in compilation and production of maps and publications. His tenure as DG however was short. When he was in Kolkata socially we had many interactions either in his house, or in my house, or in friends celebrations. Once we stayed in their house for two days in Lake Town.. Bhabiji was an excellent host. We enjoyed the stay very much chitchatting most of the time on various aspects. Children were very happy being together. Once we invited them for lunch in our house at Boral. My wife cooked all vegetarian dishes thinking the day was Janmashtami by mistake. After lunch when we were gossiping the mistake came to light. My wife was repentative and apologetic. Krishnanunni said 'Thank God, it was an inadvertent mistake by God's grace. We like vegetarian food much more than others. Your preparation was excellent. We relished them most, particularly Dahi Bada was wonderful. They attended the marriage ceremonies of my son and daughter. Bhabiji means his wife Lataji was also a very gracious and noble lady befitting to her husband. They were made for each other. Her humble mixing nature, excellent behavior and soft spoken style with charming smile could win the hearts of everybody. She must be feeling very lonely now. We express our respectful regards to her. Their two sons Nabin and Nitin were very good and modest boys. They are grown up now, well educated and managing their families. They must acquired many of the qualities of their father. I wish them progressive and prosperous life. When he was posted outside Kolkata and whenever he came to Kolkata he would meet me and Shri D.N.Setti, who was his good friend. We had many sittings with drinks and snacks in the evening in Settisaheb's quarter in Belvedier. Settisaheb was also a good host providing us with food. We used to have discussions on varied subjects, official or non-officials. We enjoyed the meetings. When in Shillong once he met me in the office and discussed with me about his idea of DOVEMAP Project regarding modus operandi, maps to be generated and use of Aerial photographs and other remote sensing data. He successfully implemented the project in NER and it found appreciation and interest in other Regions also. It found very good success in Central Region. Krishnanunni was very logical, rational, realistic and understanding without any ego, pride and prejudice. He never used any harsh words or had hurt anybody's feelings. at any time. His way of tackling matters was accepted and appreciated by everybody. His behavior par excellence has charmed one and all, seniors and juniors. K. Krishanunni is no more in this world, may be physically, but would remain in our heart and soul for ever. I remember him with gratitude and great respect offering my Pranam to him while paying tribute to this great man.

The third KMCT Memorial lecture was held on 27 October 2021. The lecture was given by Prof Colin Reeves, formerly of ITC, the Netherlands and an international authority on aero magnetic surveys. The topic of the lecture was - "How India parted company from Gondwana: Constraints of Space and Time". The Zoom video recording of this lecture is available here. You can use this forum post to comment and discuss on the lecture and see replies from the group as well as the speaker.