Bhubaneswar, 24/02/2016: “Bhubaneswar has not only topped the ‘Smart City’ list but also fast emerging as an educational and medical hub in eastern and north-east India,” says Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD of Navratna Nalco. As part of Nalco’s ongoing Industry-Institution Interaction programme, Dr. Chand, as chief guest addressed various programmes organized by Orissa Engineering College (OEC), SOA University and NM Institute of Engineering & Technology at Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. He graced the Annual Technical Function – Zazen’16 of OEC, ‘Burns Demand Attention’ programme, organized by Institute of Medical Sciences & SUM Hospital, under the aegis of SOA University and the Annual Cultural Event Technofusion 2K16 of NM Institute of Engineering & Technology.

“While Odisha has been bracketed with the best in the ‘ease-of-doing-business’ index, there is a great need to further this growth trajectory through concerted efforts from all sectors. In this regard, the role of educational institutions is very significant,” Dr. Chand said. “The entire Odisha is dotted with more than 450 engineering, medical & management colleges, diploma & ITI institutes, to source skilled manpower,” Dr. Chand added.

Every year, 5000 burn cases are reported in various hospitals of Odisha, including IMS & SUM Hospital, where state-of-the-art facilities are available at affordable charges. This view was shared by Prof. Dr. Rajeev Ahuja, President, International Society for Burn Injuries & HOD, Department of Burns & Plastic Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, who was the chief speaker in the programme organized by the hospital. In turn, Nalco has decided to adopt one girl child, a severe burn victim (who was cured successfully at the SOA Burn Centre & Skin Bank), under the company’s CSR scheme ‘Nalco ki Ladli’. Besides, the company, in association with SUM Hospital, State Govt’s Fire Wing and Rotary Club of Templecity, shall conduct programmes to spread awareness for treatment and management of burn victims along with their rehabilitation and resettlement.

In his address at NM Institute of Engineering & Technology, Dr. Chand emphasized that the education system and lifestyle should have their moorings in Indian culture, which is rich in values with numerous lessons of life. “A balanced personality, with perfect blend of Attitude, Skill and Knowledge can lead a person to be successful in every sphere of life,” said Dr. Chand.

It may be mentioned that NALCO, the only Navratna CPSE headquartered at Bhubaneswar, has plans to boost the education potentials of the place and has developed a road map to step up premier educational institutions of Odisha to global standards.