From Steel to Serenity: When Prime Ministers marked Jamshedpur’s milestone years

Golden Jubilee 1958: Nehru dedicates Jubilee Park to the people

On February 28, 1908, near the confluence of two serene rivers, a quiet patch of the Bihar jungle began to transform into the great Steel Works and the Industrial Town of Jamshedpur, as we know them today.

Fifty Years later on March 1, 1958, 3,00,000 citizens of Jamshedpur bestirred themselves early to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of their industry and town and to welcome the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who had come especially from Delhi, to dedicate a 200-acre park and share with them the joy and pride of that golden day.

While dedicating the Jubilee Park, he said, “… in the ultimate analysis, I imagine the parks and trees are more important than iron and steel. Flowers, parks and trees supply something which is, I imagine, of more basic importance to human beings and  human spirit than even iron and steel, and, therefore, it was a very happy thought of those who were responsible for it to commemorate the occasion of the Jubilee of this great Company, by providing this beautiful Park for all the workers here and all the citizens of Jamshedpur and I congratulate them on this delightful Idea.”

Platinum Jubilee 1982: Indira Gandhi hails India’s steel pioneer

On March 02, 1982, on the eve of Founder’s Day Celebrations, the city of Jamshedpur decked itself in lights and finery to welcome Tata Steel’s Platinum Jubilee Year and welcome the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, who had come all the way from New Delhi to join in the festivities—a rare gesture in honour of a remarkable man and the remarkable industry he founded.

While welcoming Indira Gandhi, JRD Tata said, “We interpret her gracious response to our invitation as a recognition that there is something special about Jamshedpur, about Tata Steel, about its workers and about its management”.

At the Golf Ground, the venue of a public meeting, Indira Gandhi said, “Jamshedpur occupies pride of place in the history of India as it has pioneered steel making in the country. I congratulate those who are working here for their good work and also for the spirit of friendship and amity which exists and helps resolve differences peacefully”.