Obituary: R.H.Sawkar (1935 –2022)
Authors:   Director, Hutti Gold Mines Co Ltd. (HGML), Bengaluru, Sangurmath Prabhakar 
Published: July 2022

An eminent Geologist, Shri R.H.Sawkar breathed his last peacefully on the morning of June 1,2022 at the age of 87 in his home at Bengaluru. Shri R.H. Sawkar is survived by his Wife, Son, Daughter and Grand-Children and their families are settled in Bengaluru. Born on March 29, 1935 to Hem Reddy Sawkar and Lingamma Hiregoudar, he is from Magala Village, Huvinhadagalli taluk, Vijayanagar dist, Karnataka. He had four brothers and two sisters. He graduated with B.Sc. (Hons) in Geology in 1959 and M.Sc. in Geology in 1961 from Mysore University followed by Diploma in Aerial Photo Interpretation and training in I.T.C (Australia)-Mineral Exploration and Mine Development Programme under Colombo Plan. He was sportsman, swimmer and wrestler. Started his career in Dept of Mines and Geology, Govt of Karnataka as Assistant Geologist in1959. During 1959 -1964, he was associated for the exploration of Iron ore of West Coast, Clay & Feldspar deposits in Goribidanur taluk, mineral resources of South Canara, Limestone deposits in Bijapur and Belgaum, Gold deposits of Gadag Gold Fields, Karnataka. From 1964-1966 as Geologist (Jr.) he was deputed to National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (NMDC), here he was associated with the exploration of Iron ore deposits of Kudremukh area, for the preparation of the detailed project report for Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Ltd for mining iron ore. During 1966 -1970, he was associated the Dharwad division inspection of mining leases, exploration of Iron, Manganese ores of North Canara,Bauxite deposits of coastal area, site selection of Vijayanagar steel Plant, Karnataka. From 1970 - 1976, on deputation, he was associated with the Mysore Minerals Ltd (Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Ltd) as Project Manager and Agent for ore production, sales, shipment, transportation, mine planning, exploration of various minerals, etc. During 1976-1985, on deputation, he worked as Project Manager of Karnataka Copper Consortium Ltd. for the exploration and mine development of Kalyadi Copper Project, Ingaldhal Copper Mine, assisted the Karnataka State Govt in the merger proposal of these copper companies with the Hutti Gold Mines Co Ltd (HGML), merger took place with HGML on 12.07.1985. From1985 -1995, he worked in different capacities in HGML for the Chitrdurga Copper Unit, Gadag Gold Project and Corporate Planning etc. After Retiring from HGML on 31.3.1995 as Executive Director, he worked in HGML as Technical Advisor up to 1.6.1997. He was associated with all the leading earth science associations in India and abroad. Currently, he was Secretary General of the Geological Society of India and actively associated with the MEAI, Rashtriya Jal Biradari, Water Development Rural and Urban societies, Dam Safety etc. He was a member of various State and Central Govt committees. He has presented and published several papers in the national and international seminars and also chaired the technical sessions. He was actively involved as advisor/consultant to the exploration, mining and metallurgy industries. He travelled widely, a simple man with tons of curiosity to discover new things. He guided and inspired the many. Shri R.H. Sawkar will remain in the hearts of the many. He will be missed deeply by his family and colleagues.