Joda/Kalinga Voice :In a function organized at Tata Steel Long Products premises, Bilaipada, on 28th December, the Keonjhar Chapter of Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) was formally revived. 34 organisational representatives and individual professionals from within the Keonjhar District had participated in the event.
The Indian Institute of Metals is a national body of professionals which engages in various professional activities. These include organising national and international technical conferences and programmes, research activities, publications, conducting qualifying examinations etc. For this purpose, they encourage formation of local chapters in across the countryto organise regular meetings, seminars, workshops, etc. for bringing professionals closer through local networking and sharing of common challenges & opportunities.Among 56 such chapters in the country, the Keonjhar Chapter, which had begun in 1996, had become dormant after 10 years of activities.
The program was inaugurated by Mr.Ashish Anupam, Managing Director, Tata Steel Long Products, Mr.Manikanta Naik, Sr. General Manager (Operations & Maintenance), Tata Steel Long Products, and Mr.Kushal Saha, Secretary General, Indian Institute of Metals. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest, Mr.Ashish Anupam emphasised on the importance of technological advancement in the country and focused on collaborative participation in overcoming the common challenges of the industries. Mr. Manikanta Naik stressed on the need for the industries in the district to come together towards addressing common causes and felt that an institute like IIM offered the perfect platform in realising such goals. Mr.Kushal Saha shared about the illustrious background of IIM, its multifarious activities and various benefits of becoming a member of IIM. Dr.Suresh Chandra Khattoi, MD, Minmet Technologies, spoke about the advent of metals & minerals and how metal based industries in Keonjhar had grown over the years, thus improving the economy of the district. He was joined by Mr.Brij Badhadra, Executive Vice President, JSPL who assured to extend all possible help for the revival of the Chapter.
The program concluded with a formal announcement of the revival of IIM, Keonjhar Chapter by Mr.Kushal Saha and formation of an adhoc committee comprising Mr.Manikanta Naik, Mr.Brij Badhadra and Dr.Suresh Chandra Khattoi. This committee will take forward the regular activities of the Chapter and will also formulate a formal governing body.
