Gopal Krishnan was an Indian geographer who was born in 1939 and passed away in 2018. He was known for his extensive research in the fields of urban and regional planning, environmental management, and sustainable development. Krishnan completed his education at the University of Bombay and the University of California, Berkeley.
Krishnan held several academic positions throughout his career, including serving as a professor and head of the Department of Geography at the University of Delhi. He was also a visiting professor at universities around the world, including in the United States, Canada, Japan, and Germany.
Gopal Krishnan made significant contributions to the field of geography, particularly in the areas of urban and regional planning, environmental management, and sustainable development. Here are some of his notable contributions:
- Regional development: Krishnan’s research on regional development focused on the social, economic, and environmental aspects of development. He studied the impact of regional imbalances on the development of India, and emphasized the importance of sustainable development in promoting equitable growth.
- Urbanization: Krishnan’s work on urbanization focused on the challenges and opportunities of urban development in India. He studied the impact of urbanization on the environment, and highlighted the need for integrated planning to manage urban growth.
- Environmental management: Krishnan’s research on environmental management focused on the use of remote sensing and GIS technology to monitor and manage natural resources. He emphasized the need for sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental protection.
- Sustainable development: Krishnan’s work on sustainable development emphasized the need for a holistic approach that considers social, economic, and environmental factors. He advocated for the use of renewable energy sources, sustainable agriculture practices, and conservation of natural resources to promote sustainable development.
Krishnan’s research focused on a variety of topics, including urbanization, regional development, and sustainable development. He authored several books and research papers on these topics, and his work has been cited extensively in academic literature.
Gopal Krishnan received several awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to the field of geography. Here are some of the notable ones:
- Padma Shri: In 2008, Krishnan was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for his contributions to the field of geography.
- Fellowships: Krishnan was a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, the National Academy of Sciences, India, and the Indian Institute of Public Administration.
- Awards from academic societies: Krishnan received several awards from academic societies, including the Association of American Geographers’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, the Royal Geographical Society’s Victoria Medal in 2005, and the National Association of Geographers, India’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
- Honorary degrees: Krishnan was awarded several honorary degrees, including an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Calcutta and an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Delhi.