Irish Chandra Pande received PhD (1954) from University of London, UK. He was Head and Director, Centre of Advanced Studies in Geology, Panjab University, Chandigarh (1966-76); also Visiting Professor, Peoples Friendship University (former USSR) and Vikram University, Ujjain (1978).

Academic and Research Achievements:Dr Pande has put forward the hypothesis of migmatization of Himalayan metapellites, the concurrence of polymetamorphism in the Almora gneisses during the Tertiary period, the hypothesis of polygeosynclinal origin of the Himalayan Orogen, and the shifting of sedimentary faulted basins of the Himalaya as a sequel to migrating polarity and phased activation of deep-seated Himalayan faults (mantle faults). He also published two books: (i) Tectonic and Metamorphic Investigations of Kumaon-Garhwal Himachal Lesser Himalaya, and (ii) Himalayan Tectogenesis, vis-à-vis Metamorphic Episodes.

Other Contributions:Pande served as Member of the Geochemical Society (India), Indian Geological Association, Governing Body of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, and also as Indian Representative to IAAS, USA.

Awards and Honours:Dr Pande was conferred the Scroll of Honour Award by Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (1991). He was elected Chairman, Geology Section, International Geological Congress, Prague (1968); President, Geology & Geography Section, Indian Science Congress (1974), and Indian Geologists Association. He was elected Fellow of the Geological Society, London, and American Association for the Advancement of Science; and Chairman, Indian National Commission for IUGG.