Bhubaneswar, 12/05/2014:  To mark the celebration of 16th National Technology Day, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) organized a talk on ‘Technology for India’s Empowerment’ at its Corporate office today. While Dr. Anup K. Pujari, IAS, Secretary to Govt. of India, Ministry of Mines graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, DAE Homi Bhaba Chair Professor and Member – Atomic Energy Commission was the Chief Speaker. In his address, he explained the importance of educational institutes and the students’ interest based education in these domains. Highlighting the emerging space for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), he deliberated the approach for India linking STI to macro global economy. Further he highlighted the linking of technological output to the rural domains giving examples of activities at BARC. Some of the crucial technology needs for the country are for: Safe drinking water, Agriculture value addition, management of biodegradable waste, Solar pumps/lights, Non-fossil electricity generation, Metal extraction from abundant earth resources etc.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Anup K. Pujari, Secretary, Ministry of Mines emphasized on small and incremental innovation which matter in bringing about changes and also in getting benefits. The problems need to be looked in an appropriate manner so that there are positive outcome when implemented, even if it is less.

Shri Ansuman Das, CMD, NALCO presided over the function and emphasized the importance of National Technology Day and stressed upon change of mindset on R&D for technological development. He also stressed upon working hard with innovative mind to face the challenging market situation faced by the aluminium producers.

In his address, Shri N.R.Mohanty, Director (Project & Technical) stressed upon need for augmenting R&D to face the current market and also for reducing cost and enhancing efficiencies. He spoke about the ensuing R&D Centre of Nalco being implemented and need of patience required in getting R&D output.

At the outset, Shri S.K. Dash, ED (P&T) of the company introduced both the guests and at the end Dr B K Satpathy, GM (R&D) offered the vote of thanks.

Besides NALCO employees, eminent Scientists, Technologists, Engineers, drawn from various organizations participated in the function.