NML Platinum Jubilee Foundation Day: Pilot Plant for magnesium metal production to be established in Jamshedpur

The day’s proceedings began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR & Secretary DSIR; Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director, CSIR-NML; Shri Chaitanya Bhanu, Vice President of Steel Manufacturing at Tata Steel Ltd.; and  Aditya Mainak, Administrative Officer, CSIR-NML.

Dr. Kalaiselvi laid the foundation stone for a Pilot Plant for the production of Magnesium Metal at Nildih, Jamshedpur. She emphasized the potential of CSIR-NML in global markets, stressing the importance of developing cutting-edge, time-relevant technologies and engaging young researchers in collaborative ventures.

In his welcome address, Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury detailed CSIR-NML’s achievements and its pivotal role in advancing the nation’s metallurgical and materials science sectors. Dr. Kalaiselvi congratulated the laboratory on its Platinum Jubilee, commending its commercialization successes and societal contributions. She called for capturing the opportunities in the Indian market, ranked third globally, and urged the development of innovative technologies to meet its demands.

To honor exceptional contributions, CSIR-NML presented various awards: Dr. B.R. Nijhawan Award: Ms. Nisha Gupta and Dr. Pallab Bhattacharya received the award for their groundbreaking research published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry C. Prof. Shilowbhadra Banerjee Award: A team led by Dr. Krishna Kumar was recognized for their in-house project on magnesium metal production technology. Prof. P. Ramachandra Rao Award:  H.S. Tirkey (Technical) and  Sitaram Murmu (Non-Technical) were honored for their exemplary service.

Additionally, meritorious awards were presented to the children of CSIR-NML employees for their academic excellence in board examinations. Students securing over 90% and those achieving perfect scores in individual subjects were celebrated for their achievements.

Former Directors of CSIR-NML shared nostalgic anecdotes, reflecting on the institution’s legacy of innovation in minerals, metals, and materials over the past 75 years. Their addresses served as an inspiration for current and future generations of researchers and staff.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by  Aditya Mainak, followed by the National Anthem. The Platinum Jubilee celebrations not only honored CSIR-NML’s past achievements but also set the stage for its continued excellence and contribution to the nation’s scientific endeavors.