Lucknow University Geology Department Hosts 15th Annual Alumni Meet – LUGDAA 2024
Lucknow desk (R L Pandey) The Department of Geology, University of Lucknow, successfully organized its 15th Annual Alumni Meet, LUGDAA 2024, a grand occasion of nostalgia, learning, and recognition, at the university premises today. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of distinguished alumni, faculty members, students, and guests, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the department and its graduates.
Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, gracing the event as the Chief Guest, emphasized the significant role alumni and industry can play in academia. He advocated the inclusion of alumni expertise and industrial partnerships in the curriculum to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. Prof. Rai also emphasized the recruitment of Experts from Industries in "Professor of Eminence" post within the university, aiming to integrate the professional experiences of alumni and industry leaders into the university's teaching and research frameworks.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Rai said, “Our alumni are the university’s most valuable resource. Their expertise and experiences are essential to enhancing academic quality and improving the employability of students. Departments should actively involve alumni and industry professionals in curriculum development, guest lectures, and collaborative projects.”
The program commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by dignitaries, including:
Prof. Dhruv Sen Singh, Head of the Department and President of LUGDAA,
Mr. R. S. Sinha, Secretary of LUGDAA,
Prof. Ashok Sahni, renowned alumnus and distinguished geoscientist,
Dr. Rajesh Singh, Treasurer of LUGDAA.
Key Highlights of LUGDAA 2024
1. Lifetime Achievement Award:
The department conferred the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on Prof. Ashok Sahni, a globally renowned geoscientist and an esteemed alumnus of the department. Prof. Sahni, a recipient of the National Geoscience Award and a Fellow of multiple prestigious academies, was recognized for his invaluable contributions to geological sciences and for bringing laurels to the department.
2. Illustrious Alumni Awards:
Two distinguished alumni were honored with the Illustrious Alumni Awards for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields:
Dr. Dheeraj Pande, Chief Managing Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate, recognized for his exceptional work in uranium exploration, including the discovery of India’s first metasomatite-type uranium deposit and pegmatite-hosted lithium reserves.
Dr. Sanjay Gopal Bhartharia, Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti, honored for his remarkable contributions to hydrogeology and his leadership in national projects like NAQUIM.
3. Academic Excellence Awards:
The department continued its tradition of recognizing academic excellence by felicitating the top-performing students in Geology from undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses. Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rai presented awards to:
Miss Aditi Bajpai, highest scorer in M.Sc. (2nd Year)
Miss Rashmi Srivastava, highest scorer in M.Sc. (1st Year)
Miss Kalyani Dwivedi, highest scorer in B.Sc. (3rd Year)
Miss Pimanshika, highest scorer in B.Sc. (2nd Year)
Mr. Sanket Mishra, highest scorer in B.Sc. (1st Year)
4. Cultural and Nostalgic Events:
The program included “Beete Sunhare Pal,” where alumni from the 50-year and 25-year batches shared fond memories and experiences, fostering a spirit of togetherness and inspiration among attendees.
The Vice-Chancellor’s address and the alumni’s inspiring success stories left a lasting impression, highlighting the department's legacy of excellence and its potential for further growth through alumni-industry partnerships.