As a child growing up in Hyderabad, southern India, one of my hobbies was collecting different kinds of rocks. I was keen to learn more about them - how they were formed, what their composition was, how they ended up as little rocks… This passion continued and by the time I was at college, I found geology to be a fascinating subject. The other subject I found hugely interesting was physics.
When I grew up I blended both my interests and decided to pursue geophysics. I went to Cambridge University in 1966, then to the University of London to complete my doctorate in Applied Geophysics. Geophysics then was more focused on the theoretical version and I am happy to be one of the early birds who pushed geophysics to more applicable levels. My findings on the application of geophysics for oil exploration were perfectly matched to the oil boom that happened across the world. I think I was in the right place at the right time doing the right thing.
I am a scientist who became an entrepreneur. I started sharpening my entrepreneurial, as well as research skills, after joining the Royal Dutch Shell International Oil Company in 1972. I was the first Indian to be employed by Shell and went on to become a director. The work was challenging. I was in charge of bridging the gap between departments, namely exploration, development and production.
I have been fortunate to travel extensively. I also became conscious and connected to the damage done to the atmosphere and environment in the process of oil drilling. I do not regret [conducting research in oil exploration] because I believe I am doing it for the comfort of humanity. I was truly happy when a global law was passed that all oil sites had to be restored to their original state after their session was complete.
Looking out for unexploded mines and bombs in the deserts of Egypt was another great experience. These were dropped in these locations during the First and Second World Wars. My job involved locating these weapons through surveys using geophysical techniques, magnetic surveys and light seismic tests.
As an entrepreneur, I have also founded and co-founded various companies. In 1999, I took early retirement from Shell and set up an exploration and development consultancy company Zawiyah Associates, offering services to the oil and gas industry.
In May 2005 I co-founded a company called Gulf of Guinea Energy I was a technical director and we set up a joint venture with the indigenous Nigerian company, Frontier Oil. In 2010, I co-founded Bonavista Energy, an oil and gas exploration and production company with its main assets in Nigeria. This is in the process of setting up a joint venture with the major oil and gas operator in Nigeria.
I believe I am successful because I was given the right attributes as a child and would like to pass them on to the next generation.
Receiving the Bharat Gaurav and Hind Rattan Awards this year, was quite unexpected. To me, these are priceless and an honour for the hard work I've put in.
I am very inquisitive, if I'm drinking a cup of coffee, I like to know all about the coffee beans, where they came from…It must be this passion for exploring and learning that has made me successful in all senses. I am happy with my achievements in life. To me, life is something that needs to be enjoyed.
I believe if we take decisions and stand by them people respect our personality. I've gone through various struggles in life. The lesson I learnt is to adapt to correct structures and be systematic. If there's a heart that does not get demotivated while facing small obstacles, then we are in the game to win. I had a vision of what I wanted and was able to climb the ladder of success through sheer hard work.
Quick questions
1. What do you believe in?
I believe in utilising the potential of local people. I do not believe in the dictatorial mode of management of business. I have always stood up for what I believe in.
2. What does your philosophy entail?
My philosophy revolves around giving back to people in every possible way. So I set up a family trust, the Abedeen Charitable Trust in Hyderabad, which runs a school that offers excellent facilities for students.
- Who: Dr Syed Mumtaz Hyder Abedi
- What: Scientist and entrepreneur who was in Dubai recently
- Where: Nigeria
