Sanjay Kumar Felicitation

GS Kumar

Received message from Maj Gen Dr R. Siva Kumar inviting me to join felicitation to Sanjay at Sailing Club, Secunderabad on 3 May 2019. I didn’t think much about who Sanjay is. I went because RSK invited.

I was pleasantly surprised to find Sanjay Kumar of Geospatial World with his charming wife. I learnt that Dr Siva Kumar hosted the felicitation party to honour Sanjay who is appointed Member of US National Geospatial Advisory Committee a First non US citizen. Another reason , United Nations conferred Sanjay as “Global Geospatial Industry Ambassador”.

He deserves more than simple felicitation for taking the Geospatial flag from India to different countries and lifting GIS to top levels through journal and events. Another take away for me was the wonderful time with the eminent personality of Geospatial World/Media Dr MP Narayanan

Clockwise from left: GS Kumar, Ms. Sanjay Kumar, Ms. Dr R.Siva Kumar, Ms. Somanath (IIC Technologies), her younger daughter and Dr MP Narayanan

VIPs of Geospatial fields known to each other for decades were hugging and exchanging notes/ pleasantries. Presence of Senior officers of Survey of India enhanced the flavor of the gathering... Smiles, laughter and jovial conversations combined with delicious snacks and drinks filled the hall with joyful climate. RS Rao’s wife’s songs added a totally new dimension. Somnath aptly commented- it is she who should also be felicitated.

L – R : Dr. BVR Nohan Reddy; Dr. Siva Kumar (host), Dr. MP Narayanan; Mr. Sanjay Kumar; Ms. BVR Mohan Reddy; Ms. Sanjay Kumar; Ms. R Siva Kumar (Hostess), Mr. Rajesh Alla ( IIC Technologies)

It was a small gathering of experienced professional of GIS/GST who knew each other very well. Perhaps this is the first such a family type gathering of geospatial VIPs was held in Hyderabad.

Speakers appreciated the committed, consistent and dedicated efforts of Sanjay Kumar.

Ms. Rao’s intermittent melodious songs touched all hearts. So was the speech of Sanjay Kumar, which was more like a friendly talk. He recalled how from a remote village wih humble beginnings he reached present stage. He particularly recalled the arguments with his father. Though differed on many issues, he allowed Sanjay the freedom to pursue the field of his liking.

He had no back ground of GIS. He meets Dr MP Narayanan (Nayveli & Coal India fame) who supports his idea of entering Geospatial field. He recalled the hostile situation that developed after they published “Unshackle Maps” a cover page article in Geospatial World Monthly journal on Restrictions on maps. He received threats also. All said and done, today he stands tall in Geospatial world in India and also in other parts of the world.

GS Kumar presented two books published by him to Sanjay. One is Khichdi- Understanding Life; The second one is about GIS Principles and Practices.

I end this short note with thanks to Dr Siva Kumar for organizing such a nice and memorable get-together of a section of VIPs on GIS

.