WBM
Petroleum Engineer

Waman Bapuji Metre

Born 14 February 1906 · Maharashtra — Died 21 November 1970

Led India's first major petroleum exploration projects establishing key oil fields in Assam.

Waman "Dādā" Bapuji Metre was the doyen of Indian petroleum geologists. He was awarded India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan in 1968, for his contribution to petroleum exploration and development in India and for his 'significant contribution to the growth of the oil industry in the country'.

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A detail that
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Waman Bapuji Metre was the first Indian geologist to lead exploration at Assam Oil Company, a role previously held exclusively by foreign experts.

The Story

1
In 1930, Waman Bapuji Metre graduated from the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, and immediately joined the Assam Oil Company in Digboi, marking the start of his career in petroleum geology.
2
🌍 By 1961, he became Chief Technical Advisor for Oil India in New Delhi, overseeing exploration activities during a pivotal era when Oil India was a joint venture between Burmah Oil and the Indian government.
3In 1956, Metre was elected to the Indian National Science Academy, reflecting his recognition within India's scientific community before the oil sector's boom.
4🛢️ His leadership at Assam Oil Company saw him become the first Indian geologist to head exploration efforts, a critical shift in a sector long dominated by foreign experts.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1930, Metre joined Assam Oil Company in Digboi, Assam, becoming the first Indian geologist to head its exploration activities, breaking a longstanding foreign monopoly in the sector.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Kalamb, Maharashtra
Waman Bapuji Metre was born on 14 February 1906 in Kalamb, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra.
1906
📚
Education
Graduated from Indian School of Mines
Metre completed his degree at the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, before joining Assam Oil Company the same year.
1930
⚡
Career
Joined Assam Oil Company, Digboi
Immediately after graduation, he joined Assam Oil Company, becoming the first Indian geologist to lead exploration activity there.
1930
🌟
Other
Elected to Indian National Science Academy
Metre was elected as a member of INSA, marking his scientific recognition in India.
1956
⚡
Career
Became Chief Technical Advisor, Oil India
Moved to New Delhi to serve as Chief Technical Advisor of Oil India after its formation as a joint venture with the Government of India.
1961
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Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received India's third-highest civilian award for his contributions to petroleum exploration and development.
1968
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Death
Death of Waman Bapuji Metre
Metre passed away on 21 November 1970, leaving a legacy in Indian petroleum geology.
1970
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Metre completed only up to class VII in his hometown Kalamb, Maharashtra, yet went on to graduate from the Indian School of Mines in 1930, a key institution for mining and petroleum studies.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 1961, Metre moved to New Delhi as Chief Technical Advisor for Oil India, coinciding with the company becoming a joint venture between Burmah Oil and the Government of India.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Metre was elected to the Indian National Science Academy in 1956 and was a Fellow of the Geological Society of London, linking Indian petroleum expertise to global scientific networks.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Metre’s tenure at Assam Oil Company and later Oil India helped transition India’s oil exploration from foreign control to indigenous leadership, laying groundwork for the Oil and Natural Gas Commission’s (ONGC) rise. His election to the Indian National Science Academy and the Padma Bhushan award underscored the growing respect for petroleum geology within Indian scientific and industrial policy circles. The father-daughter duo of Metre and Kshama Metre symbolizes a legacy of public service spanning science and rural health development.

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