Published On : Thu, Mar 1st, 2018

Indian Bureau of Mines Celebrates Foundation Day as “Khanij Diwas” on March 1

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Nagpur: Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) celebrated its 71th Foundation Day on 1st March, 2017 by organising a grand function at its Headquarters in Nagpur. In honour of all those who dedicated their noble services in building a strong and vibrant “Mining Climate” in the country, IBM religiously commemorates its Foundation Day as Khanij Diwas. To mark the occasion several notable events were organized which included — ‘Blood Donation Camp’ and ‘Khanij March’. Both these events saw huge participation by not only members of IBM family but also by members of its associate organizations who participated in the event with remarkable enthusiasm.

The celebratory function that was organized at its Headquarters in Nagpur was attended by a host of dignitaries. Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Chairman-cum Managing Director, Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL), Nagpur, was the Chief Guest of the function and M.P. Chaudhari, Chairman-cum Managing Director, Manganese Ore India Limited, Nagpur, was the Guest of Honour. Ranjan Sahai, Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines, presided over as President of the function.

Commencing on an auspicious note by lighting of traditional lamp and singing of traditional songs followed by introduction of the dignitaries on the dais, the programme‘s anchor, M.U. Siddique, Mineral Economist, led the occasion to the speeches of the dignitaries. Addressing the august gathering, the Chief Guest Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, highlighted the functional role of IBM and the sterling contribution made by IBM towards development of the Indian Mining cum Mineral Sectors. Emphasising the need for ‘Out of the Box’ thinking in application of technology, Mishra quoted instances of initiatives undertaken by WCL in setting up of Plants for production of sand from overburden that is available at the coal mines that fall under the jurisdiction of WCL; and in conservation of water used in the coal mines to produce low-cost portable drinking water christened with the title ‘Coal Neer’. Mishra, also highlighted WCL’s contribution towards manufacturing Bricks from Fly Ash which he said will enable fulfilling the Low-cost Housing Scheme launched by the Prime Minister under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana. Shri Mishra, further acknowledging the diversity of operations of IBM as Advisor, Regulator & Facilitator of the Mining Industry and also as repository of mine-information envisaged a scenario of all four major mine/mineral entities in Nagpur, namely, WCL, IBM, MECL & MOIL, coming together in one platform and aligning each other’s goals towards a common mission of building the future of the Nation’s Mineral and Mining Sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, M.P. Chaudhari, CMD, MOIL, covered a gamut of issues relating to the leadership role that every organization is required to undertake and praised IBM for the growth & stature that it has achieved. Congratulating IBM for its 71st years of existence and for the Nation-building role that it has played, Shri Chaudhari conveyed his best wishes for all future endeavours that IBM would undertake.


Ranjan Sahai, Controller General, IBM and President of the function, in his address, coined the phrase “Team IBM” to infuse the stimulus of motivation among employees in discharging their duties in an effective way. Appreciating the presence of all invitees who graced the occasion, Sahai extended his warm wishes and gratitude to all guardian seniors and ex-IBM officers, M. Mukherjee and C.S. Gundewar, former Controller Generals of IBM, in particular, who made their dignified presence during the occasion. Briefing the audience on the recent forays made by IBM in various technical domains, Sahai stressed on the diversifications that IBM had recently undertaken in the fields of Star Rating of Mines; Developing of Mining Tenement System: and Initiating Mining Surveillance System through satellite technology. Sahai further envisioned the pathways that IBM must charter and the technical competence that IBM must acquire to fulfill the desired objectives that the Ministry of Mines has set for IBM.

Earlier, S. Tiu, Chief Controller of Mines, IBM, in his introductory address welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the contributions and strides made by IBM in a various technical domains of the Mineral and Mining sectors.
Amidst the audience on the occasion were also present many retired officers of IBM who added sparkle to the gaiety of the event. There were soulful renditions of melodious songs and light music presented by Mangalam group besides other activities that marked the function. The day’s programme drew to a delightful close after the presentation of the vote of thanks by Dr P K Jain, Chief Mineral Economist, IBM and singing of the National Anthem.