From engineering and entrepreneurship to photography, writing and history, Dr. Shahir Y. Bajowala’s journey reflects the story of a lifelong learner who continues to explore new dimensions of life
Some people build their identity around a single profession. Dr. Shahir Y. Bajowala’s journey has taken a different path. An entrepreneur, Chemical Corrosion Consultant, author, award-winning photographer, philatelist, numismatist and community leader, he has brought together professional expertise with creativity, learning and human relationships.
A journey where learning never stopped
A Mechanical Engineer by education, Dr. Bajowala was a college topper and gold medallist. His pursuit of education, however, did not end with his engineering qualification. While managing his professional responsibilities, he completed an MBA through correspondence and later earned a Ph.D. in Business and Marketing at the age of 57.
His academic journey reflects a simple but significant belief — learning does not have to stop at a particular age. For Dr. Bajowala, education has remained a continuing process of personal and professional growth.
“I do not sell products. I engineer solutions.”
As the Proprietor of HUTEB ENGINEERS, Dr. Bajowala has built his professional identity around chemical waterproofing, chemical-resistant coatings, anti-corrosive treatments, epoxy and polyurethane flooring, injection grouting and industrial surface protection.
His professional philosophy is reflected in his motto: “I do not sell products. I engineer solutions.”
The statement captures the way he approaches his work. Rather than treating every assignment simply as a sales opportunity, he focuses on understanding the actual problem, identifying its underlying cause and developing a practical, customised technical solution.
His expertise covers terraces, walls, bathrooms, basements and industrial roofs, as well as demanding environments exposed to chemicals, moisture and corrosion. This solution-oriented approach has helped him earn the confidence of leading industrial organisations.
Values that began at home
Behind his professional journey are values that Dr. Bajowala attributes to his parents. His father, an accomplished businessman, taught him that relationships should always come before profit. One lesson in particular continues to guide him: “Earn relationships first. Money will follow.”
His mother played an equally important role in shaping his discipline, sincerity, faith and love for learning. These values have remained central to his personal conduct and professional relationships.
His wife, Mrs. Abeeda S. Bajowala, has also been an important part of his journey. He describes her as his best friend, strongest supporter and most honest critic. Her encouragement has remained a source of strength through different stages of his career and personal life.
Turning experiences into words
Beyond engineering and entrepreneurship, Dr. Bajowala has developed a strong interest in writing. His articles, essays and reflections explore subjects closely connected with human life — family, relationships, mental health, domestic violence, human behaviour, gratitude, loss and resilience.
His book, “Tapestry of Insights: Reflections on Life,” brings together writings on relationships, society, memories, personal growth and the lessons hidden within everyday experiences.
His writing often draws from personal observations and experiences, while attempting to connect those experiences with broader aspects of human life.
Behind the lens: a passion for photography
Photography is another defining part of Dr. Bajowala’s life. His interests include wildlife, macro subjects, landscapes, portraits, levitation photography, long exposure techniques, curtain flash photography and astrophotography.
His work has received several honours, including recognition as a Top Photographer of India for three consecutive years. He has also been honoured with the Rashtriya Kalakar Samman, Pride of Gujarat Award and Rabindranath Tagore Kala Vibhushan Award.
His photographs reflect not only technical understanding but also patience and an ability to notice unusual moments in ordinary surroundings.
Preserving history through stamps and coins
Dr. Bajowala’s curiosity also extends into history. As a dedicated philatelist, he has collected rare stamps representing different stages of postal history, including the celebrated Penny Black, historic British issues and early stamps from colonial India.
His numismatic collection includes coins from different periods of Indian history, ranging from the Mauryan era and princely states to the Mughal and British periods.
For him, these collections are more than objects of personal interest. Each stamp or coin represents a piece of history and offers a glimpse into the civilisation, economy, ruler or period associated with it.
Reading, travel and the world beyond work
Reading and travel have also played an important role in shaping his outlook. His reading journey began with childhood favourites and gradually expanded into fiction, suspense, psychology, social commentary and reflective literature.
Travel, meanwhile, has allowed him to experience different cultures and landscapes directly, complementing the understanding he gains through books and reading.
Building relationships through networking
Professional networking has been another important part of Dr. Bajowala’s journey. As Past President of BNI Alexios, Bharuch, he has taken on leadership and coordination responsibilities, encouraging meaningful referrals, stronger professional relationships and mutual growth.
His approach to networking goes beyond business transactions. He believes it is about building trust, creating opportunities and helping people grow together — a philosophy that closely connects with the relationship-centred values he learned from his father.
His warmth, communication skills and ability to connect with people across generations have also contributed to his role as a speaker, mentor and community leader.
Embracing AI and new technology
Despite his extensive professional experience, Dr. Bajowala continues to explore new technologies. He has embraced artificial intelligence as a medium for visual storytelling, communication and design, using emerging technology to experiment with images, posters, presentations, mascots and other visual narratives.
His interest in AI reflects a willingness to continue learning and experimenting, demonstrating that experience and innovation can exist side by side.
A life built around many passions
What makes Dr. Bajowala’s journey distinctive is the way his different interests complement one another. Engineering has strengthened his precision, photography his observation, writing his reflection, collecting his connection with history, reading his imagination and networking his relationships.
Rather than existing as separate parts of his personality, these interests have collectively shaped his approach to life and work.
At its heart, Dr. Shahir Y. Bajowala’s story is one of lifelong learning. His journey demonstrates that success is not limited to professional milestones or awards. It can also be found in the relationships one builds, the knowledge one continues to acquire, the memories one preserves and the influence one has on others.
Today, his identity extends across engineering, entrepreneurship, writing, photography, collecting, networking and technology. His journey serves as a reminder that curiosity can continue at every age and that a professional life can evolve into something much broader — a life of learning, creativity, relationships and meaningful discovery.
