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A senior executive at Landmark Graphics Corporation, Haliburton company, Dr. Rajendra Shrestha is a world class geoscientist in the Oil and Gas Industry. Dr. Shrestha did his first MSc in India and a second MSc and a PhD in the Unites States. For his PhD, he worked on a technology to search oil and gas drilling locations “3-D AVO Analysis: A Novel Approach”. His thesis was the first on this technique, which was used in reducing the risk and enhancing the success in drilling. His past job experience include working with Exxon, Mobil and Union Oil Company of California (UNOCAL). In his professional life, he had successfully led teams of geoscientists and engineers involved in modelling and defining the characters of oil and gas reservoirs in order to drill oil and gas prospects and develop the fields.

Throughout his academic and professional career, Dr. Shrestha has been merited with numerous fellowships and awards such as “Mahendra Vidya Bhushan Gold Medal” for achieving top rank at Osmania University, Hyderabad, India in M.Sc. Tech (Geophysics), Colombo Plan Scholarship, Fullbright Scholarship, Dutch Government Fellowship, Chevron Fellowship for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Society of Exploration Geophysicists Scholarship and Halliburton’s MVP Award (2005).

Dr. Shrestha has been very active in his social life. He is a founder and present president of Nepalese Association of Houston (NAH). Under his guidance, NAH conducted fund raising activities for Maoist Victim Relief Fund (2002-2004), Tsunami Relief Fund (2004-2005), India Earthquake Relief Fund (2001) and Houston Flood Relief Fund (2001). He is also a contributing editor of Nepal Vision, a NAH publication. He also served as a president of Students Geophysical Society at the Osmania University (India), a vice-president of Acadiana Indian Association, Lafayette, Louisiana (USA) and an advisor of Nepalese Association in Tokyo (Japan).


Talking about the education system in Nepal, Dr. Shrestha stressed on a need to introduce analytical thinking in the system. In his opinion, students must be given task-oriented projects and encouraged to analyse and come up with their own solutions. He voiced for actions to bridge ever widening gulf between public and private schools in Nepal so that all students can enjoy same level of education and competitiveness. To share his earlier days in a foreign land with all Nepalese students who plan to go abroad for higher education, Dr. Shrestha described his experience like “In those days not having my own vehicle for some time was also a problem, because the public transportation in the town was virtually non-existent. Sometimes I was jeered and taunted when people saw me walking on the sidewalk with bags of groceries in my hands. I also had problem with the American accent in the beginning. But I believed in ‘what does not destroy you will make you stronger,’ which made my life easy”. With his determination and hard work, he came over all obstacles of life with flying colours to become a successful geoscientist.

We asked him on what sort of contributions should successful Nepalese living abroad make towards development of our country. This is what he said -“The Nepali Diaspora can contribute to the economic and social development of Nepal through investments. The investment does not necessarily have to be financial. It could be the transfer and/or utilization of the management, organizational and technical skills. It could be time, as well or one could help by merely spreading a few good words about the country to create interest among people about Nepal. Most importantly, the Nepali Diaspora should have the interest, urge and drive to help the country. My message to the Nepali Diaspora is as follows. Always remember that who you are and what you are today is because of the invaluable contributions made by your country, your society, your community, your family and friends to your growth and prosperity. Therefore, do not forget your roots, and make every attempt to pay back, whenever possible.”


His message to our younger generation is “You are the best and brightest of the crop. Aim high. Think globally. Always strive to widen your perspectives and horizon of thinking. Be a responsible citizen - not only of the country, but of the world. Be accountable for your actions. Value time. Be proud of your heritage and lineage. Respect your elders and ancestors. Work hard - like there is no tomorrow, for there is no substitute to hard work. Persevere to endeavour. Success will come to you, sooner or later, eventually”.

We should be all proud of this Nepalese son. We take this opportunity to include him as a member of 'Nepalese Hall of Brain'.