A functionwas held today at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to mark the commissioning of the first blast furnace of Rourkela Steel Plant by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, on this day 50 years ago. Dr. Prasad had also inaugurated Bhilai Steel Plant's first blast furnace the following day. To mark the occasion, Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilisers and Steel Shri Ram Vilas Paswan released a commemorative gold medallion at the function. Union Minister of State for Communications & IT Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia also released a postage stamp and first-day cover on the occasion. The special diamond-shaped postage stamp bears images of a blast furnace and steel products.
Union Minister of State for Steel Shri Jitin Prasada, Secretary, Ministry of Steel Shri P.K Rastogi, Chief Postmaster General, New Delhi Shri P.K. Gopinath, INTUC President Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy, CITU President Dr. M.K. Pandhe and SAIL Chairman Shri S.K. Roongta were present on the dais on the occasion.
As part of the event, Shri Paswan also felicitated Mr. P.C. Swain and Mr. Bacha Prasad,former employees of Rourkela and Bhilai Steel Plants, respectively, who had been associated with the lighting of the blast furnaces 50 years ago. In his address, the Steel Minister commended SAIL's untiring efforts to improve efficiencies and profitability even during difficult times. He praised the SAIL collective's commitment and dedication towards maintaining a professional but caring work culture that ensured quality output, both in terms of production and social responsibilities. Shri Paswan said that SAIL has set an exemplary performance among PSUs.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Scindia lauded the company's huge contribution in India's infrastructural development and emphasised that he was "proud" of SAIL's accomplishments. Shri Jitin Prasada, who also addressed the huge gathering on the occasion, said that SAIL had set many standards which would be hard to emulate. Shri P.K. Rastogi reminisced about the eventful 50-year-long journey of SAIL.
INTUC President Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy and CITU President Dr. M.K. Pandhe remembered the contribution made by SAIL employees in bringing their organisation to the present level. They also appreciated the efforts of both the management and employees for the harmonious industrial relations scenario in the SAIL plants.
Shri S.K. Roongta, in his welcome address, said, "In this landmark 50-year journey, SAIL has faced many challenges and has successfully converted them into opportunities". He attributed the company's achievements to "the capabilities, commitment and contributions of the SAIL collective".
Mr G. Ojha, SAIL Director (Personnel), delivered the vote of thanks. Five former SAIL Chairmen, Directors, industry stalwarts, Shram awardees and other distinguished guests graced the occasion.
