“When we fall down, the courage to stand up again is instilled in us by the teachers,” said Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) with the additional charge of DIC, Bokaro Steel Plant while addressing at the colourful Teachers’ Day programme organized by Town Services – Education unit of RSP and SSRVM Trust and at Civic Centre on 5th September. The celebration was organised to pay tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the 2nd President of India and legendary teacher, and a visionary leader, on his Birth Anniversary.
Mr. Verma was the Chief Guest while Mr. Tarun Misra, ED (HR) presided the function as the Guest of Honor. Also present on the dais were Keynote Speaker Prof. Dr. Vaishali Bambole, Highest Grade Professor at the Department of Physics, Mumbai University, Esteemed Guests Mr. T G Kanekar CGM (TS & CSR) and Captain Alokesh Sen, Director, SSRVM Ispat Schools. The function was attended by many other senior officers of RSP, SSRVM Trust and a large number of teachers and students of Rourkela.
The Chief Guest along with other guests inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the ceremonial lamp and paying floral tributes at the portrait of Bharat Ratna Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
In his address, the DIC expressed heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and students gathered for the occasion and emphasized the invaluable role of teachers in shaping lives. Sharing a few personal anecdotes, he recalled, “My mother was my first teacher. The lessons we learn from our parents and teachers in childhood stay with us forever.” He recounted incidents from his school days, and how a single word of encouragement from a professor changed the course of his academic journey.
Dr. Bambole underlined the profound role of teachers in shaping society, likening them to “craftsmen who carefully mould the future with dedication and vision.” Stressing that “innovation is not rocket science,” she reminded the students that science exists everywhere, waiting to be discovered through keen observation. Advising the young minds, she said, “Keep asking questions, for that is where discovery begins,” and added with conviction, “There is nothing called trying… do not try, act.”
The DIC felicitated Dr. Bambole during the function. He also felicitated the teachers and staff of Ispat English Medium School (IEMS) and Ispat Vidya Mandir (IVM). A new Sports policy of RSP was inaugurated during the event. Mr. Verma presented the 29 Best Academic Performance Award to the Top ranking students of Rourkela.
The programme commenced with a welcome song ‘Guru Vandana’ by the students of Ispat English Medium School, Sector-20 that set the tone of the programme. Captain Alokesh Sen welcomed the gathering while Master Pragyan Ranjan Barik, Head Boy of SSRVM Ispat English Medium School, Sec-20 introduced the guests. Ms. Naina Tandi of Ispat Vidya Mandir, proposed a Vote of Thanks. Miss Shristi Pandit of SSRVM Ispat Vidya Mandir anchored the event. The programme concluded with a colourful cultural programme by the students of SSRVM Ispat English Medium School and SSRVM Ispat Vidya Mandir.
