A new bust of Pandit Gopabandhu Das was unveiled in the first floor canopy of the Utkalmani Gopabandhu Ispat Library (UGIL) of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) by Mr. Atanu Bhowmick, DIC on 30th December during the closing of the week long Annual Library Week observation. The event was attended by Mr. Tarun Misra, ED (HR), Mr. Alok Verma, ED In-Charge (Works), Mr. A K Behuria, ED (F&A), Mr. Anil Kumar, ED (MM), Mr. M P Singh, ED (Mines), Mr. Sudip Pal Chowdhury, ED (Projects), many Chief General Managers, Heads of Department and library members.
On this occasion, Mr. Bhowmick also dedicated a newly procured collection of books to the residents of Rourkela. A tree plantation drive was also organized, with dignitaries planting saplings within the library premises as part of an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiative. Additionally, a special reading room for women was inaugurated under the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative.
The week-long observation of ‘Annual Library Week’ included English, Hindi and Odia debates, quiz competitions, and a book exhibition that showcased the library’s expansive collection. The event was coordinated by Ms. Nivedita Roy, GM (TS-Library)
Notably, UGIL, the hub of knowledge and cultural landscape, has undergone significant transformations since its establishment in January 1990. In 2022, an E-Library facility was introduced, providing high-speed internet access, over 1,000 e-books in multiple languages, e-newspapers, and resources for competitive exams. The library also boasts of a rare collection of 47,000 books in Odia, Hindi, English, and other regional languages, catering to over 2,500 members. It is equipped with three reading rooms, including the newly inaugurated space for women. Another dedicated section Chitra Vithika, showcases the genesis and growth of RSP through photographs.
