"Along with my buddies, I put together a really cool machine, which could drill holes faster and better."

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Dhananjay Ramaswamy

Born in Pune, India, 1973

Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, 1995

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering

Purdue University, 1997

Field of work

Manufacturing Engineer

Areas of interest outside work

Soccer, road cycling, field hockey, squash and swimming. I also like to listen to music, torment people with my singing, and eat the wonderful food that my lovely wife Indira makes.

I was born in 1973 in the relatively small Indian city of Pune, where I grew up. My parents are Mechanical Engineers and as far back as I can remember, I was always interested in how things worked. I had the usual fascination for trains, planes and automobiles, with the exception that my love affair with things that move has increased over the years, rather than wearing off.

When I was very young, an aunt presented me with a Mechano set, which I promptly used to build a crane. Of course it did not work, and I kept the entire household awake until 3 a.m. trying to set it right. I guess that's when my parents decided to groom me in the direction of engineering.

After completing high school, I was granted admission to the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras. I met a bunch of really smart people there, who shared my interests. Of course, we shared an even greater interest in sports, cultural activities and good food! All in all, we had a wonderful time, and obtained an education along the way. You can't beat that!

At IIT Madras, I realised that my specific interests and talents tended towards manufacturing, which I pursued at Purdue University. Along with my buddies, I put together a really cool machine, which could drill holes faster and better. The Boeing Company loved this (think of the thousands of holes in an aeroplane for the screws and rivets), and sponsored the project with which I completed my Master's thesis.

After my M.S., I joined Schlumberger as a Manufacturing Engineer, and my career has been intimately connected with manufacturing. At work, I try to ensure that our products are made quicker, better and cheaper — sounds a bit like the motto of the Olympic Games, doesn't it?

Outside of work, I enjoy most sports, and actively pursue soccer, field hockey and tennis. I am also fond of squash and swimming. I like to listen to music, torment people with my singing, and eat the wonderful food that my lovely wife Indira makes. Pretty much the average chap!