David Penman obtained DSc (Engineering) from University of Edinburgh, UK. He worked for Fife Education Committee (1919-20); as Inspector of Mines, Government of India (1921-26); Principal, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad (1926-32); and Chief Inspector of Mines, Government of India (1932-49).

Academic and Research Achievements:Penman’s work on mines with regard to ventilation, cold dust danger, crushing strength of coal pillars, etc. was well known. He was an authority on the principles and practices of coal mining.

Other Contributions:Penman was interested in the geology education of India and also wrote on the importance of minerals and economy.

Awards and Honours:Dr Penman won the CIE Award (1937). He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of London, Institute of Mining Engineers, and Geological Survey of London. He was also President Geology Section, Indian Science Congress (1930).