Rourkela: In a function organized at Manthan Conference Hall of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) on 2nd July, 2025, Mr. Alok Verma, Director In charge (DIC), RSP with additional charge of DIC( Durgapur Steel Plant and IISCO Steel Plant) presented the awards and certificates of merit to the winners of AI&U competition organized by the Corporate Affairs Division of SAIL. Present on the occasion were Mr. Tarun Misra, ED(HR), Mr. B R Palai, ED (Works), Mr. Anil Kumar, ED (MM), Mr. M P Singh, ED (Mines), Mr K K Sengupta, CGM (C&IT), Mr. Subrat Kumar, CGM (HSMs & AUXs), Mr. R K Bisare, CGM (NPM&SPP) and other senior officers of the plant.

Notably, the AI & U competition was organised by SAIL Corporate Office from 10th March 2025 to 10th April 2025 to hear from employees about how they use Artificial Intelligence in their daily lives and to motivate them to start using AI. The competition experienced enthusiastic participation by more than 500 employees. Hence, the earlier plan of awarding only 5 employees was increased and accordingly 10 employees were chosen to receive award under Category 1 that comprises a Cash Prize of Rs. 5,000/- and another 10 employees selected under Category 2 that consists of Appreciation letter from the CMD of SAIL.

The recipients of the awards Under Category-1 are Mr. Sanjay Kumar Gautam DGM (C&IT), Mr. B B Arun Kumar AM (BF), Mr. Kabi Biroj Kumar, Sr. Tech (C&IT) while winners under Category-2 are Mr. Subhasis Panda, Jr. Engineering Associate (NPM) and Mr. Srikant Malik, Jr. Engineering Associate (HSM).

Congratulating the winners, Mr. Alok Verma lauded the enterprising spirit of the employees who went out of their regular jobs to do something new that is gainful for the plant. He assured all support, both technical and training-wise wise to carry on their projects. “Never lose the creative spirit amidst routine life,” he added. He also motivated the employees to give breakthrough ideas that can bring huge benefits for the Plant. All the Executive Directors congratulated the award winners on the occasion and discussed about the areas of improvement that can be brought about through AI. The award winners shared the details of their projects, which were lauded by all. The programme was coordinated by Mrs. Archana Satpathy, GM (PR) & COC.