The Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was observed by SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) and SAIL, SC &ST Employees Federation on 14th April. In the morning Mr. Alok Verma, DIC along with Mr. Tarun Misra, ED (HR), Mr. M P Singh, ED (Mines), Mr. Sudip Pal Chhowdhury, ED (Projects), Dr. Jayanta Kumar Acharya, CMO In-Charge (M&HS) with other senior officers of RSP as well as representatives of SAIL, SC &ST Employees Federation paid floral tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar at Sector-17 Ambedkar enclave.
Thereafter, a grand function was organised at Civic Centre to mark the occasion. Mr. Alok Verma was the Chief Guest of the function while, Dr. Mihir Ranjan Sethi, former Professor, Syndicate, FM University, Balasore & former Regional Director, Higher Education, Govt. Of Odisha, was the Chief Speaker. Executive Directors, CGMs and many other senior officers of RSP and a large number of members of SAIL, SC &ST Employees Federation and students as well as parents were present on the occasion.
The dignitaries paid floral tributes at the portrait of Dr. B R Ambedkar and inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
In his address, the Director In-Charge (DIC) highlighted the versatile personality of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and his immense contributions towards labour laws, Women Empowerment and the upliftment of marginalized communities and the envisioned society founded on socio justice and equality. “At our steel plant, we embody the values of fairness, integrity and excellence that Dr. Ambedkar stood for. We have to learn a lot from the towering personality like him,” he added. He said that the ideals of Dr. Ambedkar is more to be understood and inculcated.
Mr. Sethi in his address elaborated on the enormous contributions made by Dr. B R Ambedkar, widely regarded as the second greatest Indian, revered across community and nation. He highlighted Ambedkar’s role in shaping labour laws, spearheading Mega water projects of the time including Hirakud Dam and ideas of setting up of Grid Corporation, and Reserve Bank of India.
The winners of the elocution competitions organised earlier namely, Subhashmita Senapati of Ispat Vidyamandir, Sector-19, Akshat Singh, Chinmay Vidyalay, Chhend and Upasana Pradhan, Delhi Public School, Sector-14 spoke about the legendary statesman Baba sahib Ambedkar in Odia, Hindi and English respectively.
Later the dignitaries presented awards to the winners of the elocution and various other competitions organised among the employees and the school students.
Earlier, Mr. T G Kanekar, GM In-charge (Town Services and Sports) welcomed the gathering. An invocation song was presented by Mr. Gaurang Mallick and his troupe. The eventful morning was enlivened by mesmerising dance performances.
Mr. S C Parichha, Deputy Manager (HR – Town & Medical) proposed a vote of thanks. Mr. Chandrabhanu Munda, Deputy Manager (SP-II) and President (SAIL, SC/ST Federation) coordinated the entire programme. Mr. Anil Mallik, of SSM and Ms. Monalisa anchored the programme.
