Thirmandas Narayana Gowd, a 77-year-old retired scientist and former head of Rock Mechanics and Mineral Physics division of National Geophysical Research Institute, has been conferred with the ‘Best Citizens of India Award-2017’ by the International Publishing House. Hailing from Kollapur region of erstwhile Mahabubnagar district, Mr. Gowd completed his masters and Ph.D. in geophysics at Osmania University.
He was recognised for his lifelong research on the stress and orientation of the rock fractures/geological faults as the reason behind the earthquakes in the ‘shield area’ comprising Indian states south of Himalayas, a press communiqué said. He theoretically analysed the role of pore fluid pressure in Koyna earthquake. He had also received German academic exchange service (DAAD) fellowship for laboratory investigations on his chosen subject.
