Udyog Mela at Ranchi this year was inaugurated on 12th March, 2011, by Mr Arjun Munda, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jharkhand. During his visit, he took a tour of the Tata Steel stall.

Also visiting the stall were several other senior Govt officials of the state. It was a promise that Jharkhand made to itself – that of resurrecting it as a flourishing industrial region, which more than bellowing dust and smoke, would radiate the happiness of its inhabitants – which Tata Steel has aptly portrayed in its panels this year at Udyog Mela.

The panels depict the journey of Tata Steel and its association with Jharkhand which began over a century ago when Sir Dorabji Tata, the first Chairman of Tata Steel, decided to set up the country’s first steel plant at Sakchi, near the confluence of two rivers – Kharkai and Subernarekha. Moving on since 1907, Tata Steel has expanded as one of the top ten steel producing companies, with an overall crude steel production capacity of 28 mtpa, a presence in 50 countries and employing about 80,000 people globally. In all its expansion, the company has strictly abided by its vision of inclusive growth, aptly stated in its CSR Policy (2009) that states: “Tata Steel believes that the primary purpose of the business is to improve the quality of people's life….”. Tata Steel is also a pioneer in creating and implementing several employee initiatives, many of which went on to become national laws several years after they became a regular practice in the Company.

Tata Steel realised the importance of environment protection and energy conservation much ahead of others, with the result that today, Tata Steel is among the few steel plants in the world where all manufacturing and service facilities are certified under ISO 14001:2004 (EMS). Afforestation is one of the prime initiatives of the Company towards ensuring a clean, green environment. Extending this consciousness across its mining activities, all three mining areas of the Company – West Bokaro, Jharia and Noamundi – practice sustainable mining. Tata Steel enjoys a diverse customer base such as constructions, aerospace, material handling, railways, port, automotive, engineering and others.

Since its inception, Tata Steel has been working towards improving the quality of life in its areas of operation. Following the Founder’s vision of creating well being rather than wealth generation, community welfare programmes are regularly implemented and have improved the lives of thousands of people in more than 800 villages. The Company has also evolved sports over a period of several decades as a means to create empowerment amongst the rural and semi-urban youths. Its sprawling JRD Tata Sports Complex and Tata Football Academy have produced some of the best sporting talents who have brought laurels of the nation.

Jamshedpur – the first planned industrial town of India was envisioned by J N Tata and given shape by Sir Dorabji Tata. It houses all such amenities – potable water, wide roads, green cover, parks, schools, well planned homes – that has become a matter of pride for its residents. Needless to say, the Company has been showered with numerous awards and accolades in all areas of its existence.

Much said and done, Tata Steel is now geared to take its Steel works and the city of Jamshedpur to even greater heights. Along with working towards enhancing its capacity to 10 mtpa, the Company, aided by the Government, is also working feverishly towards creating a new look for the city – one that will be much more environment friendly and safe to live in.