Life & Geology is a visual collection of moments that reflect the connection between geology and everyday life. Through photographs of landscapes, rocks, people, places, and experiences, this space captures the beauty of Earth, the people who care for it, and the many ways geology shapes the world around us. It is a personal journey of discovery, observation, and appreciation of our dynamic planet and the people I come across.
I had the opportunity to work as a Special Associate Researcher at the Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in China, during 2023–2024. These photographs capture some memorable moments with fellow geologists and colleagues during my time there.
Memorable moments with my lab mates at the Institute of Geochemistry.
Snowfall during the peak of winter on the campus of the Institute of Geochemistry, a beautiful and memorable winter scene.
I was fortunate to take part in the Chinese New Year celebrations at the Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and experience this vibrant cultural tradition with colleagues and friends.
Tried some new dishes at the table, delicious and a wonderful culinary experience!
A workshop on Geochronology conducted at the Inter-University Accelerator Center (IUAC), Delhi
Visited the SIMS Laboratory at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, and had a wonderful interaction with Dr. Deeksha Khandelwal, Scientist-D, IUAC. It was a valuable opportunity to learn about the facility and its applications in geochronological research.
A rare opportunity to share a frame with Prof. S. Balakrishnan, a renowned geologist from Pondicherry University whose research expertise includes geochemistry, isotope geology, and geochronology, and Dr. Pankaj Kumar, Senior Scientist at IUAC and a wonderful person, during the workshop.
Talking to students from diverse backgrounds is something I genuinely enjoy. Whenever I interact with a student, I try to recognise the potential hidden within them, even when they may not yet see it themselves. I consider it my responsibility to encourage and motivate them from time to time, while helping them identify the right path for their future academic journey. I firmly believe that every student is unique, with different abilities, perspectives, and ways of dealing with challenges. Sometimes, all a student needs is someone who can provide the right encouragement, confidence, and positive energy to unlock their potential and transform them into a stronger, more confident version of themselves. The following moments capture my interactions and involvement with students from diverse backgrounds and at different stages of their academic journeys.
I spent a few productive hours with young minds from Kakching District at Angaan Ching Eco Park, Kakching, sharing stories and experiences from my own journey to inspire them, broaden their perspectives, and encourage them to believe in their own potential.
This place is indeed a perfect spot to reconnect with nature and enjoy its tranquillity.
An invitation led me to the Department of Geology at Thoubal College, where I had the opportunity to share experiences and insights from my journey in Geosciences with undergraduate students. This photograph is not meant to portray me as an important person, but rather to remind us that I, too, come from a small village in Manipur and have simply gathered a few experiences, knowledge, and stories along the way that I hope can inspire and nurture young minds to explore and pursue the fascinating field of Geosciences.
In the frame, Prof. L. Romendro, Associate Professor, Dept. of Geology, is on my left, and Prof. W. Bina, former Principal, is on my right.
Interacting with UG students, Dept of Geology, Thoubal College, Manipur.
I invited Toshit Trivedi, AIR-1 in the UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist Examination 2020 and currently a Geologist with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), to visit the Department of Geology, NEHU, Shillong, during his field training in Meghalaya. During my time as a Guest Faculty member, I invited him to interact with our postgraduate students and share his experiences, insights, and guidance on academic and career opportunities in Geosciences. A postgraduate alumnus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Toshit is a person of vast knowledge and diverse experience, and his interaction with the students was both inspiring and valuable.
A group photo is always a must! A memorable moment with Toshit Trivedi and the postgraduate students of the Department of Geology, NEHU, Shillong.
Prof. Alan E. Fryar, a renowned hydrogeologist and Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Kentucky, USA, was a Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellow at NEHU. His research focuses on hydrogeology, environmental geochemistry, groundwater–surface-water interactions, and water resources. I had the privilege of meeting him during my tenure as Guest Faculty at NEHU, where we had several constructive and enriching discussions. I was fortunate to accompany him on a visit to Manipur, introducing him to Manipur University, local cuisine at Luxmi Kitchen Imphal, Loktak Lake, and Kakching, my hometown. It was a memorable experience to spend time with such a distinguished scholar. I wish Prof. Fryar good health, happiness, and continued success.
Prof. Alan is enjoying the scenic beauty and gentle breeze of Loktak Lake, Manipur.
An insightful lecture by Prof. Alan was organized at the Department of Earth Sciences, Manipur University, offering students and faculty valuable perspectives on hydrogeology and related aspects of geoscience.
Kerina, a PhD student from Manipur University, is interacting with Prof. Alan.
Prof. Alan is enjoying traditional Manipuri cuisine at Luxmi Kitchen, Imphal.
A significant chapter in my academic journey in Geosciences began at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), Dehradun, where I joined in March 2016 as a PhD scholar under the supervision of Prof. A. K. Singh in the Petrology and Geochemistry Group. My years at the institute provided me with invaluable technical training, research experience, and scientific exposure that greatly shaped and strengthened my future career. Here, I share a few memorable moments from that important phase of my academic journey.
A glimpse of the beautiful WIHG campus, Dehradun, where an important chapter of my academic and research journey began.
At the summit of George Everest, Mussoorie, enjoying the breathtaking Himalayan panorama.
Robust zircon grains collected for geochronological dating, a geological time capsule preserving valuable records of Earth’s history.
Working in the wet laboratory at WIHG, gaining hands-on experience in sample preparation and geochemical research.
Had the opportunity to work with and gain hands-on experience using the Q-ICP-MS at WIHG, an invaluable part of my analytical training in geochemical research.
A group photo is always a must! A memorable get-together at my supervisor’s quarter on the WIHG campus, celebrating friendship and cherished moments from my PhD journey.