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SAIL Commemorates Golden Jubilee of Steel Production

02/06/2009 - Steel Authority of India Limited celebrates the 50th anniversary of commissioning the first blast furnace of Rourkela Steel Plant.

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) recently held a function at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, to mark the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of the first blast furnace of Rourkela Steel Plant by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. 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. Union Minister of State for Communications & IT Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia also released a postage stamp and first-day cover. The special diamond-shaped postage stamp bears images of a blast furnace and steel products.
 
The anniversary celebration was attended by 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. The ceremony was also attended by 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 tireless efforts to improve efficiencies and profitability even during difficult times. He praised the SAIL collective's commitment and dedication to maintaining a professional but caring work culture that continues to ensure quality output, both in terms of production and social responsibilities. Shri Paswan said that SAIL has set an exemplary performance.
 
Shri Scindia lauded the company's huge contribution in India's infrastructural development, noting his pride in SAIL's accomplishments. Shri Jitin Prasada, who also addressed the gathering, said that SAIL had set many standards that would be hard to emulate. Shri P.K. Rastogi reviewed SAIL’s eventful 50-year journey.
 
INTUC President Dr. Sanjeeva Reddy and CITU President Dr. M.K. Pandhe acknowledged the contribution made by SAIL employees in bringing their organization to the present level. They also noted the efforts of both management and employees for the harmonious industrial relations scenario in the SAIL plants.
 
"In this landmark 50-year journey, SAIL has faced many challenges and has successfully converted them into opportunities," noted Shri S.K. Roongta, in his welcome address. He attributed the company's achievements to "the capabilities, commitment and contributions of the SAIL collective".
 
Five former SAIL Chairmen also attended the celebration along with a number of Directors, industry leaders, Shram awardees and other distinguished guests.