Sanjay Rana can look back on a remarkable career, having established the first commercial company in India to introduce engineering geophysics solutions to tackle the country’s infrastructure needs. A prolific writer, he is also a sought-after keynote speaker promoting his discipline and its value.
Brought up to adapt
I grew up in a very typical Indian middle-class household with an itinerant, upright civil servant father. We were never left wanting for anything, yet we did not have a problem of plenty either. Because of my father’s frequent transfers, I moved cities often, which turned out to be a gift in disguise. It exposed me early to different cultures, languages, people and ways of thinking. Adapting became second nature. School years were a happy mix of academics and cricket - lots of cricket!
University experience
My university years at IIT Roorkee were intense, enriching and, honestly, really fun. Academically, I was a very focused student and graduated as a gold medallist and class topper, but I certainly did not live only in the library. I was deeply involved in cricket, badminton, shooting, debating and theatre. I often joke that I did everything possible to distract myself from my studies, yet never really got distracted. A friend actually nudged me towards geoscience, and it clicked instantly. I loved the outdoors and knew I was not made for a conventional nine-to-five desk life.
First job surprise
My first job was with UP Electronics, where I worked as a geophysicist handling commercial well logging, while also being asked to train others. That part came as a surprise. I found myself mentoring professionals twice my age. This was both daunting and deeply rewarding. It taught me early on that age matters far less than clarity and conviction.
Nuclear confidential
My five years’ experience in the nuclear sector was intense, highly disciplined and deeply enriching. I was involved in uranium exploration projects, work that even today remains largely confidential - and I am still literally under oath!
Going independent
The decision to start my own company came from a mix of curiosity and frustration. I was closely following global trends in engineering, technology and academia, and was surprised by how little near-surface and engineering geophysics were being applied in India, despite huge infrastructure needs. I took the leap largely on my own, but with strong encouragement from friends abroad working in geosciences. They assured me this model was not only viable but necessary, thereby bringing about one of India’s first dedicated private engineering geophysics companies.
Development of company
The company evolved organically with the country’s needs. We began with groundwater exploration, but as India’s infrastructure expanded, it became clear that subsurface utility mapping and GPR applications were far more important. Today we are an authority on dam geophysics. Early international collaborations with friends abroad helped us bring advanced equipment into India and execute our first projects. We started very small, with a lean team and lots of hands-on work. Over time, this grew into international operations, including offices and projects in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.
Projects most proud of
Some of the projects I am most proud of are those where geophysics directly contributed to saving lives. The Silkyara tunnel collapse stands out deeply. In such moments, technology stops being academic or commercial. It becomes human.
Vision for engineering geophysics
My vision is that engineering geophysics becomes a standard and integral part of every major infrastructure project, not an optional investigation carried out only after problems arise. A clear understanding of the subsurface should inform design decisions from the very beginning. With advances in sensors, AI and data integration, engineering geophysics will move beyond one-time surveys to continuous subsurface intelligence, supporting construction, operation and long-term health monitoring of assets such as dams, tunnels and bridges.
Time at home
At home, I try to keep life simple and balanced. Mornings usually begin with yoga and some exercise, which helps set the tone for the day. I enjoy light to moderate reading, mostly to stay curious rather than become overwhelmed. In the evenings, I prefer meditation to slow things down and clear my head after a busy day. I have never really been a television person; silence and reflection work much better for me. These routines help me stay grounded and reasonably sane.
