It is with great pride, I assume the role of Chief Patron of the Society of Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG) India. As Chairman of ONGC and a long-standing advocate of geoscientific excellence, I consider it an honour to be associated with an institution that has played a defining role in shaping India's upstream exploration landscape over the past three decades.
SPG has consistently provided a vibrant platform for advancing geoscientific knowledge, enabling meaningful dialogue, and fostering data and technology exchange. It has catalyzed collaboration between academia, industry, and research bodies-an ecosystem that is indispensable as we navigate the complex and rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Today, the global energy sector stands at an inflection point. India’s energy demand is expected to double by 2040, with oil and gas continuing to play a central role-accounting for over 50% of the country’s energy mix in the foreseeable future. At the same time, there is a strong push towards sustainability, digitalization, and innovation. The rise of AI, ML, cloud computing, and data analytics is no longer aspirational-it is transformational. These technologies are enabling smarter exploration, reducing decision-making cycles by up to 40%, and enhancing reservoir precision in ways we could only imagine a decade ago.
At ONGC, we are undergoing a digital revolution. From real-time subsurface imaging to intelligent reservoir modelling and predictive maintenance, we are embedding digital thinking into every facet of our exploration strategy. In this context, the theme of SPG 2025 “Rock to Cloud: Geo-Exploration Empowering Energy Evolution” perfectly mirrors this journey. It underscores how geoscience, rooted in rock-solid fundamentals, is evolving into a data-rich, digitally empowered discipline that is central to ensuring energy security and enabling the energy transition.
We must recognize that exploration continues to be the bedrock of this evolution. Whether unlocking new frontiers or enhancing recovery from mature assets, exploration is not being replaced, it is being redefined. As we embark on this transformative phase, let us also imbibe the ethos “We must unite our data, systems and people under a shared digital vision.”
And as we do so, it is worth reflecting on Amara’s Law “We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run”. This serves as a timely reminder that digital transformation is not a sprint but a strategic marathon-its full impact unfolds over time, requiring consistency, vision, and collective will.
SPG 2025 promises to be a landmark event—bringing together domain experts, young professionals, and global leaders to deliberate on pressing challenges and frontier innovations. I encourage each one of you to actively participate, share insights, and contribute to shaping the future of our industry.
I offer my best wishes to the Executive Committee of SPG India for the successful conduct of this prestigious conference and for their unwavering commitment to technical excellence, knowledge dissemination, and professional growth.
Shri Arun Kumar Singh
Chairman & CEO, ONGC Chief Patron, SPG India
Patron's Message
Dear Members,
It gives me immense pleasure to extend my warm greetings to the members of the Society of
Petroleum Geophysicists (SPG), India. As a fellow geoscience professional who has been closely connected
with SPG India for many years, I take great pride in witnessing the continued evolution of SPG India as it
forges ahead into its fourth decade of excellence. Over the years, SPG India has played a pivotal role in
advancing geoscience and geophysics in E&P activities of our country. Its commitment to professional
growth, technical excellence, and collaborations between academia and industry is laudable. I congratulate
the Society for staying true to its vision and for providing a platform that continually uplifts and
empowers the geoscientific community.
The energy sector is at a transformational crossroads. While hydrocarbons continue to
form the backbone of India's energy security, there is a growing global and national emphasis on
sustainable and cleaner energy solutions. Green energy, including hydrogen, biofuels, solar, and wind,
is rapidly gaining ground, driven by both policy imperatives and technological advancements. India's
commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 has already accelerated this shift. However,
it is important to note that oil and gas will remain an essential component of the country's energy
mix in the foreseeable future.
Adding to this complexity is the rise of digitalization, Artificial Intelligence
(AI), and Machine Learning (ML), which are redefining how we explore, develop, and manage
energy resources. These technologies are no longer futuristic concepts, they are actively transforming
the E&P landscape. From seismic data interpretation to reservoir modelling and production
optimization, AI and ML are enabling faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective decision-making. As
geoscientists, it is imperative that we embrace these digital tools to enhance efficiency, reduce
environmental impact, and unlock new resource potential.
In parallel, our domestic energy dynamics present their own challenges. Aging fields,
stagnant production, and a rising demand trajectory necessitate deeper exploration and technological
innovation. There is a need to intensify efforts in frontier and underexplored areas such as the
Vindhyan, Cuddapah, Bengal, Ganga, Himalayan Foreland, Karewa and Andaman basins. The integration of
cutting-edge digital tools with traditional geoscientific methods will be essential to unlock these
complex geological puzzles.
SPG India has a critical role to play in this transformative journey. Its flagship
journal, "GEOHORIZONS," has continued to serve as a vital medium for
disseminating innovative ideas and research. I encourage the Society to further explore and promote
interdisciplinary work that combines geoscience, digital innovation, and sustainability practices.
Equally important is the nurturing of young minds- students and early-career professionals who will
carry forward the legacy of scientific excellence.
I am particularly pleased to note the upcoming 15th Biennial International
Conference & Exposition with Theme "ROCK TO CLOUD: Geo-Exploration Empowering Energy
Evolution" scheduled for 26th - 28th October 2025, promises to be a landmark event. It
will bring together global experts, leading researchers, and industry practitioners to deliberate on the
future of geosciences, energy transition, and digital transformation. Such gatherings are vital for
fostering innovation, collaboration, and thought leadership across the geoscientific community.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected executive committee of SPG
India. I am confident that, under their dynamic leadership, the Society will continue to lead, inspire,
and adapt to the evolving landscape of the global energy sector.
Wishing SPG India continued success and impact in all its future endeavours.
Best Regards,
Om Prakash Sinha
Patron, SPG India
President's Message
Dear SPGians,
I am deeply honoured by the trust you have placed in me to lead the Society of Petroleum
Geophysicists (SPG), India, as President.
Since its inception in 1992, SPG has served as a pivotal platform for fostering
collaboration between industry and academia in geosciences. What began with just 30 geoscientists has
evolved into a vibrant community of over 2,600 members, encompassing 10 regional chapters, 18 student
chapters, and partnerships with three international societies. The successful organisation of 13
Biennial International Conferences and the continued publication of our flagship journal,
GEOHORIZONS, reflect our sustained commitment to technical excellence.
Our founding mission — achieving technical excellence through the exchange
of ideas and practical experience — remains at the heart of everything we do. The progress
made thus far stands as a testament to the dedication, leadership, and collaborative spirit of my
predecessors and their teams. I am honoured to carry this legacy forward and build upon the solid
foundation they have laid.
The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic pushed us to innovate and adapt. We seized
the opportunity to transition to virtual platforms, successfully conducting a range of webinars,
workshops, and technical sessions on emerging themes such as unconventional reservoirs, seismic
attribute analysis, and the application of AI/ML in geophysical interpretation.
As we move ahead, our focus is on deepening engagement and enhancing quality
across our initiatives. Key areas of action include:
Elevating GEOHORIZONS to the status of a peer-reviewed journal with recognised impact factor,
incentivising contributions—especially from students—and expanding its circulation.
Establishing new student chapters and revitalising inactive ones to strengthen grassroots
involvement.
Scaling up in-person events—technical talks, workshops, and field visits — wherever
feasible.
Upgrading our website for improved accessibility and preparing for the 14th Biennial International
Conference & Exhibition.
While virtual platforms have helped us stay connected, face-to-face interactions
remain invaluable—particularly for students who benefit immensely from direct exposure to industry
expectations and practices. As conditions improve, we will prioritise these engagements in line with the
national vision of a Skilled India.
Looking at the broader energy landscape, the shift towards sustainable, low-carbon
solutions is accelerating. In alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Panchamrit pledge
at COP26, SPG is committed to supporting clean and innovative energy technologies. We have a critical
role to play in facilitating their adoption through collaboration, knowledge dissemination, and thought
leadership.
Let us move forward with renewed purpose, working together to achieve greater
milestones for SPG and contribute meaningfully to our profession, our society, and our nation.
Warm Regards,
Ranbir Singh
President, SPG India
Secretary's Message
Dear SPGians,
My journey with SPG has been long and deeply fulfilling — from joining as a member in 2004 to serving
as the Secretary of SPG-India nearly two decades later. When I stepped into this role in early 2022, the
world was just beginning to recover from the shadows of a long and challenging pandemic. After two difficult
years, a faint glimmer of hope began to emerge. Still, uncertainty loomed large, even within our
geoscientific community.
Fast forward to 2023, and we witnessed an impressive economic resurgence —
globally, and more significantly, in India. This recovery brought with it a renewed sense of optimism.
At SPG India, we are proud to be playing a vital role in shaping the geosciences sector to help meet the
country’s energy needs in a responsible and sustainable way.
I am honored to share some of the key initiatives we’ve undertaken during my
tenure:
Promoting Knowledge and Learning :
SPG India remains steadfast in its mission to disseminate knowledge across the geoscience
community. We have consistently organized professional lectures by eminent experts, technical
workshops, and geological field excursions — all aimed at nurturing innovative thinking
among geoscientists.
Upholding Ethics and Advancing Holistic Growth :
With a commitment to uphold professional ethics and support the overall development of the
Indian geosciences ecosystem, we’ve actively showcased our work in numerous conferences
and exhibitions. We continue to build strong collaborations across the geoscientific landscape
to unlock new opportunities for progress.
Elevating Geohorizons :
Our bi-annual publication, Geohorizons, features pioneering research from leading scientists and
industry experts. We are now expanding its scope to include thought-provoking articles from
emerging areas in modern geosciences, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation and
relevance.
Nurturing Future Talent :
SPG India is a collective of vibrant regional and student chapters. We believe that meaningful
exposure to the industry is key to preparing students for their professional journeys. More
importantly, they bring with them fresh, unbiased perspectives — something our sector
deeply values. To this end, we remain committed to supporting our chapters in fostering stronger
industry-academia partnerships.
Lastly, a humble request: if you are not yet a member of SPG, I warmly invite you to join
our community. SPG connects today’s geoscientists with tomorrow’s opportunities through a
robust platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration — both in-person and online. As an SPGian,
you gain access to the latest industry insights, learning resources, and updates through our official
website.
Let us continue to grow, connect, and lead — together.
