Press Release

Jamshedpur: 22^nd April, 2009

National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur celebrated Earth Day today to inspire awareness and appreciation for the earth’s environment.

As part of the Earth Day celebrations, a painting competition was organised for school children on 19^th April, 2009 at NML. The children were divided into three groups viz. Pawan (Std V and below), Pani(Std VI-IX) and Prithvi(Std X-XII). About 61 children participated in the painting competition. The winners in the Pawan category  were : Chandan Kr Maurya, Shubra Mishra and Rupanshi Bhattacharjee. The winners in the Pani category were : Dhanraj Gupta; Akash Chakrabarty and Shilpita Sinha. The winners in the Prithvi category were : Avik Das; Tulika Mishra and Sunita Kumari.

On this occasion a tree plantation session was held at National Metallurgical Laboratory on 22^nd April, 2009. Saplings were planted by the Chief Guest- Padmashri Saoli Mitra. The welcome address was delivered by the acting Director of NML – Dr. Sukomal Ghosh. Ms Saoli Mitra talked about the importance of saving the earth and its relation with the history and culture of society. She pointed out that too much of urbanisation had led to destruction of the earth as we have become very materialistic in our approach towards life.

A scientific documentary titled ‘Volcanoes of the deep Sea’ was screened during the function. This is based on actual discoveries made by earth scientists beneath the sea at a depth of around 10,000 ft. It was Prof. Peter Rona of The State University of New Jersey who first discovered life at such depth where no sunlight penetrates. This movie depicts the formation of new crust, drifting of continents, elaborates about plate tectonics and the origin of life. It also reveals how the chromosomes of primitive life form resemble the human chromosomes. The scientific discoveries are so amazing that this has been made as an IMAX movie by the Stephen Low Company of Canada.

Mrs. Mita Tarafder, Convenor of the Earth Day celebrations at NML proposed the vote of thanks.