Rahman Syed
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Datuk Rahman Anwar Syed | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 14 December 1932 |
| Died | 20 June 2009 (aged 76) |
| Alma mater | University of the Punjab Forman Christian College |
| Known for | Discovery of the biological method of oil palm pollination |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Entomology |
| Institutions | Gordon College, Rawalpindi Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control (CIBI) |
Datuk Rahman Anwar Syed (14 December 1932 – 20 June 2009) was a Pakistani entomologist, professor, actor, and entrepreneur, best known for his discovery of the biological method of oil palm pollination.
Rahman Anwar Syed was born into a Muslim family of the village of Alawalpur, Punjab, British India, the eldest of seven children. His father, Major Dr. Abdul Majeed, was a doctor in the British Indian Army and a renowned malariologist. Given Dr. Majeed's frequent absence from home due to the demanding nature of his work, Syed became independent at an early age. The untimely loss of his mother added to the hardships of his childhood.
Syed received his primary education at a local village school, sitting upon dirt mats outdoors in searing heat. It was after the harrowing 1947 Partition of India, when his family made the dangerous journey to the Pakistani city of Karachi, that Syed began to show his promise. There he gained admission to the renowned Dayaram Jethamal Science College, joining its University Officers Training Course and achieving success academically. Syed moved on to Lahore's prestigious Forman Christian College, where he developed a lasting interested in physical science and zoology.
Syed was an avid sportsman, captaining Forman Christian College's football team and playing racquet sports. Throughout life he was a passionate fan of cricket.
In the latter stages of his youth, Syed delved into acting, playing a lead role in the Pakistan Television drama, Lagan Apni Apni.
Further education and career
Rahman Anwar Syed's first job, in 1962, was one teaching zoology at Gordon College, Rawalpindi, a post he held for six years. In 1968 he joined the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control and became involved in entomological research. His initial work with the institute involved the biological control of fruit flies, an endeavor especially important to Pakistan's agricultural sector. At this time he completed his formal education, being awarded a PhD from the University of Punjab in Lahore.