B. Muthuraman: Happy with the progress

Jamshedpur, Aug. 4: Tata Steel managing director B. Muthuraman lauded geologists and mining engineers working with the firm for their efforts to make the company a prominent player in the global minerals market.

He was speaking at a function organised to mark 100 years of discovery of iron ore at Joda in Keonjhar district in Orissa on Tuesday. Executive director (India and South East Asia) of Tata Steel H.M. Nerurkar was also present at the occasion.

“Geologists have always been fundamentally important to the prosperity of Tata Steel. The discovery of iron ore at Joda has not only helped Tata Steel grow, but also helped the country as a whole,” he said, adding that it was a proud moment in the history of Tata Steel.

Geologist S.N. Sharma had discovered iron ore at Joda in 1909. From discovery to a sustained holistic development, the saga of Joda has been eventful and dynamic.

When iron ore was discovered there were no geological data available till Tata Steel set up a prospecting department in 1915. Even after Independence, the government-run geological department depended on Tata Steel for figures and statistics.

Tata Steel’s advent at Joda has transformed the nondescript place into a modern township. “The touch of Tatas has ushered in positive changes in the lives of people here. Now they have jobs, enabling them to lead a decent life,” said Muthuraman.

Tata Steel Rural Development Society (TSRDS) was set up to ensure a holistic development of Joda. The township now is equipped with facilities such as clubs, schools, market complex, recreational activities and much more. “What began as a venture for Tata Steel has transformed into a success story for Joda,” he said.