The Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar was observed by SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) and SAIL, SC &ST Employees Federation on 14th April with grace and dignity. In the morning Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge (DIC) along with Mr. B K Giri, ED (Mines Dev. CLMO), Mr. Biswaranjan Palai, ED (Works), Mr. M P Singh, ED (Mines), Mr. Sudip Pal Chowdhury, ED (Projects), Dr. Jayanta Kumar Acharya, CMO In-Charge (M&HS), Mr. T G Kanekar, CGM (TS & CSR), with other senior officers of RSP as well as Mr. Bhagaban Sethy, President and other 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. Abhiram Biswal, Eminent Educationist and Former HoD, BJB College Bhubaneswar 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 described Dr. Ambedkar as a visionary leader and champion of equality and human dignity. Highlighting RSP’s commitment to inclusivity, he said “The Plant’s true strength lies not just in steel production but in the diversity and unity of its workforce, rooted in meritocracy and dignity”. He spoke in detail about RSP’s outreach initiatives like health camps, scholarship schemes, skill development, women’s empowerment, and community participation in events like the Rourkela Half Marathon 2026. The DIC urged everyone to imbibe the values espoused by Dr. Ambedkar and work collectively towards building a more inclusive and equitable nation.
Mr. Biswal in his address remarked that the birth of B. R. Ambedkar was akin to a rebirth for every Indian citizen, as it marked the moment when people of India truly became citizens with equal status and rights. Quoting the powerful thoughts of Baba Saheb the speaker emphasized the deep social impact of his ideas and writings, which continue to shape Indian society. Concluding the address, Mr. Biswal underscored that Dr. Ambedkar was a strong advocate of industrial growth, and institutions like Rourkela Steel Plant stand as a testament to that vision.
The winners of the elocution competitions organised earlier namely, Subhalaxmi Sahoo, student of SSRVM Ispat Vidya Mandir, Anuska Singh, student of Dr. AN Khosla DAV Public School, Basanti Colony and Linasha Sahoo, student of St. Paul’s School spoke about the legendary statesman Baba Saheb 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. Manas Ranjan Rath, CGM (HR) 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) and General Secretary SAIL, SC/ST Federation, proposed a vote of thanks. Mr. Chandrabhanu Munda, Deputy Manager (SP-II) and President (Media & coordination) of SAIL, SC/ST Federation coordinated the programme, while Ms. Sangeeta Maria Sindur, Senior Manager (HR-CLC) was the master of ceremony.
