Innovation, Augmentation, Social Responsibility: The thrust areas for NLCIL CMD
To start off with, you have recently been a part of the My River, My Valentine initiative where citizens of Pune gathered for a cleanup drive of the Mula-Mutha. How was the experience for you?
Neyveli, The 74th Republic Day of the Nation was celebrated at NLCIL with customary fervour and enthusiasm. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, NLCIL, unfurled the tricolour at Bharathi Stadium, Neyvelion behalf of the company in the presence of Functional Directors, Senior Officers, CISF officials, representatives of recognized Trade Unions, Associations representing Engineers & Officers, SC/ST, ST, OBC associations and women employees. K. Mohan Reddy, Director (P&P) and HR (AC) delivered the welcome address. Earlier, Prasanna Kumar garlanded the statue of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi at the Township Administration office.
Addressing the gathering, Prasanna Kumar recalled the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, while paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom fighters and martyrs. He recalled the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, in this “Amrit Kaal” from the 75th year of India’s independence to the centenary year, to take India towards a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive and developed society, distinguished by a human-centric approach at its core, with the G20 Presidency marking the beginning
Against this backdrop, as a central public sector unit partnering with the progress of nation-building, Prasanna Kumar affirmed NLCIL’s role in the growth of the Power sector to support the economic development of India. NLCIL had spread its wings from Tamil Nadu to other five States across India and made strategic diversification into Coal Mining, Coal based power generation with forays into the renewable energy sector – Wind and Solar in a big way. NLCIL had also entered into a strategic collaboration with many power sector players, thus guaranteeing a sustainable future, he said.
Identifying augmentation, innovation and social responsibility as the thrust areas for NLCIL, he outlined NLCIL’s plant to raise the Lignite mining capacity to 40.10 MTPA by the year 2030, the Coal mining capacity to 44.0 MTPA, thermal power generating capacity to 11140 MW and the renewable power generating capacity to 6031 MW thereby raising the total capacity to 17171 MW.
Prasanna Kumar stated that NLCIL had embarked upon three innovative projects at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, viz. 0.4 MTPA Lignite to Methanol project, 290 tonnes/day Lignite to Diesel project and conversion of Mine Overburden to Sand (0.42 MTPA). Moreover, possibilities of acquiring Coal blocks for commercial mining are being explored, he said. As a socially responsible Corporate Citizen, NLCIL continued its outreach towards the development of surrounding villages where the operation of the Company exists, focusing on the socioeconomic development of the region for achieving inclusive & sustainable growth. He declared that the Company’s key focus was on inclusive growth and championing skill development to provide employment opportunities to project-affected persons
GAIL showcases its initiatives on Environment & Biodiversity
New Delhi, “Interdependence” and “Interactions” initiatives are two global awareness milestones where GAIL integrated its messaging through renowned Filmmakers from many nations to reach millions with one consolidated voice on climate change, environment & biodiversity produced under the auspices of organizations like the United Nations, WMO, WAAS, COP15 and climate advisors. INTERACTIONS comprises 12 short films produced by Art for the World (Geneva, Switzerland) with the participation of 12 international filmmakers. INTERDEPENDENCE Premiered in Rome and was viewed by over 500 million people across continents including India. To support its mission & vision statement GAIL has also initiated a path to a Net Zero GAIL along with a Net Zero India & a Net Zero World. For GAIL there are many milestones that need to be laid, along the path being paved for a cleaner, sustainable future and a more habitable Earth.
GAIL has been constantly striving to create awareness against Climate Change, Air Pollution and spreading the tenets of Sustainability in individual and corporate lifestyles through its initiative Hawa Badlo. Hawa Badlo (Change the Air) an initiative by GAIL (India) Ltd was started in 2016. It connects with the citizens on a digital platform for creating awareness for better air and environment and to provide solutions for curtailing the effects of air pollution was originally started in the year 2016.
Hawa Badlo later took on the mantle of amplifying conversations through longform content with leading celebrities and entertainers in India and abroad, including associations with the National Award-winning feature film Kadvi Hawa, presenting the award-winning web series Hawa Badle Hassu etc. An audio-video presentation has also been made for social media platforms to showcase these initiatives.
Infosys Foundation announces the Third Edition of the Aarohan Social Innovation Awards
INR 2 crore committed towards accelerating and rewarding social innovation in India
Bangalore. Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic and CSR arm of Infosys has announced the launch of the third edition of its Aarohan Social Innovation Awards. To further social innovation in India, Infosys Foundation is inviting innovators and social entrepreneurs from across the country to participate in the awards.
The Aarohan Social Innovation Awards 2023 seek to encourage and reward individuals, teams and NGOs developing unique technologybased solutions that have the potential to bring about a significant difference to the underprivileged across India, at scale. The Infosys Foundation will commit up to INR 50 lakh per winner, with a total award purse of INR 2 crore.
“At Infosys Foundation, we have always believed in the power of working relentlessly towards social good. Aarohan Social Innovation Awards further this very aim through a platform where the finest innovations with the potential to impact social good are valued, encouraged, and rewarded. The past editions of the awards have been a huge success, creating a tremendous impact. With the 2023 edition, we hope to carry this momentum forward by encouraging social innovators across the country to translate their ideas and passion into impactful award-winning solutions, with the potential to bring real change, at scale.” said, Sumit Virmani, Trustee, Infosys Foundation.
Established in 1996, the Infosys Foundation supports programs in the areas of education, rural development, healthcare, arts and culture, and destitute care. Its mission is to work in remote regions of several states in India. The Infosys Foundation takes pride in working with all sections of society, selecting projects with infinite care, and working in areas that are traditionally overlooked by society at large.
School Adoption Program and IndiGo GetSmart Bus
The IndiGo School Adoption Program is aimed at the holistic development of government schools while facilitating academic and physical transformation. Through this initiative, we have adopted 75 government schools across the states of Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Vadodara (Gujarat), Dibrugarh (Assam) and Noida/Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh) and will be impacting the lives of 22,500 children.
IndiGo GetSmart Mobile Digital Bus
A significant component of our school adoption program is the GetSmart Mobile Digital Bus, with five buses serving the purpose. Each bus is equipped with 20 computers, NCERT-based learning software, internet dongles, an interactive panel for video conferencing and digital learning, an LCD screen, solar power panels, a power generator and, air conditioning.
The bus not only provides knowledge on wheels but also ensures effective digital interaction for children on a rotational basis. Our focus also lies in training the school teachers to ensure better delivery of complex learning concepts via audio-visuals and interactive e-learning modules on the digital bus.
School Adoption Program and IndiGo GetSmart Bus
The IndiGo School Adoption Program is aimed at the holistic development of government schools while facilitating academic and physical transformation. Through this initiative, we have adopted 75 government schools across the states of Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Vadodara (Gujarat), Dibrugarh (Assam) and Noida/Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh) and will be impacting the lives of 22,500 children.
The School Adoption Program is centred around:
1) Academic Development:
• Providing workbooks to children for a better understanding of subject-wise concepts.
• Conducting remedial classes called Khel Khel Me Shiksha (KKMS) for children who need support to acquire the required competency.
• Establishing science labs equipped with basic laboratory equipment.
• Creating rich libraries well equipped with books of appropriate grade levels
• Regular meetings and workshops for the headmasters and the teachers to train them to be like CEOs of their schools
2) Physical Infrastructure:
• Improving drinking water facilities in the schools.
• Installing functional and separate washrooms for girls and boys or renovating the existing ones in the schools.
• Refurbishing and repainting the schools incorporating the concept of BaLA (Building as a Learning Aid) painting.
• Providing furniture such as desks, chairs, etc. as per the needs of the identified school.
3) Digital Learning through the Get Smart digital mobile bus:
• Promoting digital literacy and improving the quality of teaching and learning in schools.
• Exposing children to technology.
Gram Ujala Scheme distributes one crore LED bulbs
LED bulbs are being promoted by CESL/authorized agencies through various awareness activities
New Delhi, Gram Ujala Scheme has been implemented by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL). Under Gram UJALA Scheme, 1 crore LED bulbs have been distributed in rural areas of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana as a Pilot Project. The distribution under the pilot of Gram Ujala has been completed and currently, no further distribution activity is underway.
Various awareness activities are being done by CESL/ authorized agencies for the usage of LED bulbs amongst beneficiaries such as – local/national media outreach, information dissemination through radio/TV and other modes of media like banners, posters, leaflets etc.
Rosneft shows how energy-saving tech can minimize environmental impact
New Delhi, Protecting nature is one of humankind’s primary responsibilities. The situation is improving as technology advances. Thanks to this, the world actively works to protect and conserve the planet’s natural treasures. Every year, the issue of nature conservation becomes increasingly pressing. The natural environment must be conserved and restored, natural resources must be used wisely, and any negative impact must be reduced. Protecting nature is deeply rooted in Indian culture and is widely seen as a religious duty or dharma. In the famous passage from Atharva Veda, the sage says: “Whatever I may dig from thee, O Earth, may that have quick recovery again. O Purifier, may we not injure thy vitals or thy heart!” This ancient wisdom remains up-to-date and guides people in India and the world.
Today, many of the world’s leading companies are making great efforts to preserve the environment. Among them is one of the world’s largest oil producers, the Russian company Rosneft, which has extensive experience in implementing joint projects with Indian partners.
The company, in every way, supports mutually beneficial cooperation, which develops in an integral format across the entire technological chain — from production to oil refining and sales of petroleum products. Since 2016, Indian companies (ONGC Videsh Ltd, Oil India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroresources) have been holding a 49.9 per cent stake in the Vankorneft subsidiary. This entity, located in Krasnoyarsk Territory, is developing the Vankor oil and gas condensate field — the largest to be discovered and commissioned in Russia over the past 25 years.
The consortium of Indian companies (Oil India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroresources) also owns a 29.9 per cent stake in Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha, which holds licenses for the Central Block of the Srednebotuobinskoye field and the Kurungsky license area.
In the past four years, the total payments to Indian partners and the dividends from joint projects amounted to about $5 billion. The Russian giant continues to increase its international cooperation, with a special focus on low-carbon cooperation.
Rosneft and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) signed the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of carbon management, which, among other things, involves the improvement of carbon capture and storage technology.
Rosneft continues to implement projects to produce fuels with improved environmental and performance characteristics, among which Euro-6 gasoline stands out. The motor fuel contains less Sulphur, benzene, and aromatic hydrocarbons, which helps mitigate corrosion activity and reduces the toxicity of exhaust fumes. Rosneft actively implements several comprehensive programs for preserving and restoring natural resources. An essential part of Rosneft’s strategy is the mechanism of natural absorption.
The complex of forestry measures assumes a cumulative absorption potential of 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The company is already contributing significantly to greenhouse gas absorption by forests. Over the past three years, Rosneft’s enterprises have planted about 20 million seedlings and young trees.
Besides the significant contribution to greenhouse gas absorption and the development of methodological support for the construction of appropriate mathematical balance models, Rosneft’s climaterelated forestry project contributes to the formation of the regulatory framework for the carbon units market.
Such programs show how innovative energy-saving technologies can be applied efficiently to minimise environmental impact. It is important that such initiatives are launched and supported both locally and by the global community jointly because, according to the Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, “the world is but one family”.
Chairman Indian Oil inaugurates NaiDisha-Smile for Juvenile
New Delhi, taking forward the recently rolled-out initiative of NaiDisha – Smile for Juvenile, S M Vaidya, Chairman, inaugurated this special outreach program at Adharshila Observation Home for Boys-II at Kingsway Camp in Delhi. Also present on the occasion were Garima Gupta, IAS, Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), Delhi; Krishan Kumar, IAS, Director, DWCD; Shyam Bohra, ED & SH, Delhi State Office and other senior officers from IndianOil and DWCD. As part of the program, IndianOil has provided sports facilities, along with facilitating coaching by experts in six sports at the Centre. Talking about IndianOil’s various social endeavours, especially NaiDisha, Vaidya said, “As the Energy of India, we are well aware of our social responsibilities and reaching out to the future generation is among our foremost social priorities.
We are determined to take the mission forward and spread smiles among youngsters through sports. This outreach is very close to my heart. And I look forward to thoughts and suggestions from the authorities on strengthening this outreach.” He also talked about the importance of sports in creating positive energy and how sports training can bring in a big change in the thought process and people’s lives by channelizing their energies properly, besides making them healthy.
Mr. Vaidya, in his address, also assured of all help and assistance from IndianOil to make this program a grand success. Talking about Adharshila Observation Home for Boys, Ms Gupta said that the Centre is home to many children, and she has been given the responsibility for making it better. She thanked IndianOil for this special and thoughtful initiative and said that one should use all his/ her capabilities to make lives around them better and contribute towards making others’ lives beautiful. IndianOil has deployed professional coaches for Kho-kho, Chess, Badminton, Volleyball, Carom and Basketball to impart sports training to juveniles. The program will be helpful for the juvenile to channel their energy in a positive manner in pursuit of excelling in their game under the guidance of these coaches. Regular training and coaching will improve their game, and they can participate in various competitions and earn laurels and fame. NaiDisha initiative would catalyze the integration of juveniles with society by changing their course of life towards leading their lives with dignity and respect. The Juvenile Justice System is an exclusive system for the rehabilitation and reformation of those under the age of 18 who are vulnerable to getting victimized by social circumstances.
27th January 2023, New Delhi: During the 74th Republic Day Celebrations, IndianOil (Indian Oil Corporation Limited) launched the fourth phase of its successful social outreach “Parivartan-Prison To Pride” campaign that has emerged as a beacon of hope for thousands of inmates across prisons in India. Under this outreach, IndianOil is facilitating training programs in various sports such as chess, basketball, badminton, volleyball and carrom across prisons in India to help improve the physical and mental well-being of inmates. In a special event today, S M Vaidya, Chairman, IndianOil, launched the 4th phase of the campaign across 17 new prisons in nine states. Vaidya also announced the rollout of “Nai Disha – Smile for Juvenile”, which would extend the benefits to over 2500 young inmates at three Juvenile Correction Centers in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
Since its launch, IndianOil’s Parivartan has covered 37 Prisons spanning 20 states and 5 Union Territories, coaching over 1750 inmates in three phases. Underlining the resounding success of this social outreach, S M Vaidya, Chairman, IndianOil, said, “Parivartan is built on IndianOil’s core value of Care. It builds on our other welfare and rehabilitation measures for Prison Inmates, such as Fuel Stations run by inmates”. Speaking on IndianOil’s newly launched Nai Disha endeavour, Vaidya added, “This outreach is very close to my heart. I look forward to thoughts and suggestions from the prison authorities on strengthening this outreach. As the Energy of India, we are well aware of our social responsibilities and reaching out to the future generation is among our foremost social priorities”. Vaidya also elaborated on the plans to enhance the ecosystem for the welfare of Indian prison inmates, with a special focus on women prisoners. The launch event, held on a hybrid platform, witnessed the participation of Prison Authorities from across the country, including B K Dak, DG(Prisons), Rajasthan; MS Barnali Sharma (IG) Prisons, Assam; Dhanasekara Pandian, Jt Director, Dept of Social Service;
Rahul Kanithikar, Superintendent, Children’s Observation Home, Umarkhadi; Ms. Urmila Minz, Superintendent, District Jail, Puri; Akhilesh Tomar, Senior Superintendent, Jabalpur Central Jail and Dr P Vijayan, Central Prison and Correctional Home, Kannur. The Prison Authorities were effusive in their appreciation for the Parivartan outreach and underscored it as a great platform that would catalyze the integration of inmates into society with dignity and respect.
The authorities also expressed their delight at the launch of Nayi Disha, and expressed the hope that the vehicle of sports would impart critical life lessons while infusing joy in young inmates. Referring to the evolved welfare programs at Indian Prisons, B K Dak said that IndianOil’s sports coaching program is strengthening the reformation mechanism for prisoners. Ms. Barnali Sharma appreciated how IndianOil is creating a lasting impact by reaching out to the most vulnerable sections of society. Speaking on the launch of ‘Nayi Disha’ Rahul Kanithikar and Dhanasekara Pandian expressed their gratitude to IndianOil for introducing such a unique sports coaching program which will help juveniles address mental problems through physical activities.
They elaborated on how this program will help children to gain back their confidence and become responsible citizens again. The event also witnessed the participation of leading IndianOil sportspersons who will be catalyzing the outreach programs. They include carrom stars Ms. Kajal Kumari and K Srinivas; Chess icons Soumya Swaminathan, Murali Karthikeyan, Mary Ann Gomes, and Padmini Rout; Tennis player Rushmi Chakravarthy; Hockey star Aarmaan Kureshi and Badminton player Jaseel Ismail. Under Parivartan outreach, conceived by S M Vaidya, inmates are provided with sporting equipment and are empowered with focused coaching by Internationallevel sportspersons from IndianOil.
The phenomenal impact of the campaign came to the forefront when the Chess Team of inmates from Pune Yerawada Prison emerged as the first Indian team ever to secure a Bronze medal at the Intercontinental Chess For Freedom Online Championship for Prisoners, organized by FIDE (World Chess Federation) in 2022
