P Rama Rao lights the ceremonial lamp during the celebrations in Jamshedpur on Saturday. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, Nov. 27: P. Rama Rao, a professor of International Advance Research Centre, today called upon Tata Steel and National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML) to set up a joint research council in Jamshedpur.

Speaking as the chief guest on NML’s diamond jubilee celebrations, Rao said: “The bill for setting up an academy of scientific and innovative research was pending with the government, but a similar step on the research front by the steel major and NML will help address critical areas of metal technology,” he said.

Rao further pointed out that NML was a pioneer in nickel-free steel, but major technology gaps still haunted the nation.

“A nickel production plant has still not been set up in the country. China controls 97 per cent of supply market and has been forced to drastically slash exports. India has the components of developing the field of technology,” Rao added.

He also complimented the Tatas for their support to NML.

Present on the occasion were Samir K. Brahmachari, director-general of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, S. Ranganathan, visiting professor of National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, S.K. Srikanth, NML director and Tata Sons director, Jamshed J. Irani.

NML employees, current and retired, executives of Tata group of companies and technocrats also graced the function.

H.M. Nerurkar, the managing director of Tata Steel, who presided over the function, said Jamshedpur had gained immensely because of NML. “This is a great year for NML. The laboratory has made remarkable achievements in the past 60 years. I am sure it will scale new heights in the days to come,” he said.

Srikanth said NML should also look at its achievements of the past 60 years and plan for the next six decades.

Brahmachari, however, felt that the younger generation was unaware of several things and had a lot to learn.

Applauding NML as a national treasure house, Ranganathan said the world was taking note of India and the new generation faced the challenge to take the country forward.

Irani, a former chairman of NML’s research council, said teamwork held the key to results.He criticised the dependence on foreign countries as India has adequate resources for development. As a former managing director of Tata Steel, he added that a new chapter had been added by the NML and Tata Steel, and the partnership would strengthen in future.