Jamshedpur: Tata Steel Vice President (Corporate Services) DB Sundara Ramam inaugurated the 35th Jamshedpur Flower Show at Gopal Maidan on Sunday, declaring that the city is on track to become one of India’s greenest urban hubs. Speaking to a large gathering, Ramam emphasized that Jamshedpur’s unique culture is defined by its citizens’ collective commitment to cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Ramam referred to the souvenir released on the occasion and said that it beautifully captures the culture of Jamshedpur. “After seeing this souvenir, there is hardly anything more left to say about the culture of Jamshedpur,” he remarked. Responding to questions often raised by the media about what makes the city special, he said that the real specialty of Jamshedpur lies in its citizens. According to him, the sense of ownership shown by residents in maintaining the city sets Jamshedpur apart from many other urban centres.
Ramam said that although the present generation has not seen Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the founder of the city, the values he stood for are still visible in the way Jamshedpur has grown. He also acknowledged the contribution and vision of Ratan Tata, saying that both leaders uniquely shaped the city. “The way Jamshedpur has developed, especially in terms of greenery, shows that we are carrying forward the torch of Jamsetji Tata in the true spirit,” he said, congratulating the citizens for their efforts. He even urged the audience to applaud themselves for the manner in which they have taken care of the city.
However, Ramam cautioned that there is still much work to be done. He said that the target is to make Jamshedpur the greenest city in India. “We are now competing with several green cities across the country,” he noted. Highlighting a major achievement, he congratulated Tata Steel UISL for its role in making Jamshedpur the third cleanest city in India in the category of cities with a population below 10 lakh. He said this achievement clearly shows that the goal of making the city greener and cleaner is no longer just an aspiration but a reality in the making.
Explaining the broader purpose of the flower show, Ramam said that the event is not just about displaying flowers but about spreading awareness and educating people, especially children. He pointed out that instead of merely telling people to plant trees, it is far more effective to encourage participation through quizzes, competitions, and interactive activities. “Such engagement creates enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility among children,” he said. He added that several such activities would take place over the next four days as part of the flower show celebrations.
Ramam also acknowledged the role of the Horticulture Society, under whose aegis several activities are organised every year from December to February. He described the flower show as the biggest among these initiatives. In addition, he mentioned garden competitions held among bungalows and residential houses, where citizens actively participate. He said that all these initiatives are possible only because of the strong support extended by the residents of Jamshedpur. “Without your support, the 35th annual flower show would not have been possible,” he said, complimenting the citizens for their continued involvement.
Referring to December 28, Ramam noted that it is the birth anniversary of Ratan Tata. He recalled that during the previous flower show, a rose variety was showcased in Ratan Tata’s name as a mark of respect. He said such gestures are important to commemorate the contribution and guidance of predecessors who laid the foundation of the city. “Our responsibility is to carry this legacy forward,” he said, adding that what people enjoy today has been inherited and must be passed on to future generations in an even better condition.
Touching upon environmental challenges, Ramam spoke about the dangers of carbon emissions and said that plantation, greenery, and reforestation can play a significant role in neutralising their impact. He highlighted that the Tata Group has set an ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral by 2045. According to him, this goal cannot be achieved only through initiatives within industrial plants but also through strong community-level participation.
He cited several examples of Tata Steel’s initiatives in Jamshedpur, including the conversion of vacant and unused spaces into parks and gardens. He also mentioned the development of walking tracks, open gyms, and public spaces to encourage healthier lifestyles. “These initiatives are meant to make people aware and inspire them to follow the values and ethics passed down by our predecessors,” he said.
Ramam thanked the organisers and members of the Horticulture Society for giving him the opportunity to participate in the event. He also addressed a common question raised by the media about whether such flower shows are unique to Jamshedpur. Clarifying this, he said that while Jamshedpur hosts the event on a large scale, many raw material locations of Tata Steel also organise annual flower shows. He added that places such as Noamundi, Kalinga Nagar and NINL have also started holding similar events.
Concluding his address, Ramam said that Jamshedpur is setting an example for others to follow. “It is not just Jamshedpur that will do this; others will also follow Jamshedpur,” he said, expressing confidence that the city’s model of community-driven environmental responsibility will inspire many more towns and cities across the country.
A Green city with nonexistent Sewage infrastructure!