"Steel industry pivotal in nation-building": Kumaraswamy at National Metallurgists Awards

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 21 : Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy participated at the National Metallurgists Awards ceremony on Thursday, which celebrated innovation, dedication, and excellence in metallurgy and steelmaking, setting the tone for India's future in the sector.
Addressing the event, the Union Minister said, "This event is a tribute to the excellence, innovation, and dedication shaping the field of metallurgy and steelmaking."
The minister emphasised the pivotal role of the steel industry in nation-building, saying, "From skyscrapers to highways, railways to defence, steel powers our progress and fuels our ambitions."
Kumaraswamy noted that with India striving to become an USD 5 trillion economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, steel remains central to this transformation, showcasing the country's resilience on the global stage.
While lauding the sector's achievements, the minister acknowledged ongoing challenges such as market volatility, sustainability imperatives, and the critical need for innovation. "The government's commitment to supporting the steel industry was reaffirmed with references to forward-looking policies, including the National Steel Policy 2017 and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Speciality Steel," he said. "The need for a circular economy and scrap recycling is more urgent than ever," the minister added.
He also called for greater collaboration between steelmakers and top research institutions such as IISc and IITs to foster innovation, especially in speciality steel--a sector he described as crucial for future growth.
The minister further emphasised India's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, placing the steel industry at the forefront of this transformation. He underscored the importance of adopting hydrogen-based steelmaking and renewable energy to set global benchmarks for sustainable production. "By aligning with our national mission to combat climate change, the steel industry is not just meeting domestic needs but also taking a lead on the global stage," he asserted.
During the event, Kumaraswamy presented honours to the contributors in the field. Shasi S. Mohanty was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to metallurgy. The National Metallurgist Award was conferred upon TPD Rajan for his work in the sector.
In the category of Research and Development in Steel, D Satish Kumar was honoured for his innovative advancements. The "Young Metallurgist Awards" celebrated rising talent, with Sai Goutam Gopalkrishnan and Biraj Kumar Sahoo receiving recognition for their contributions to the field.
The National Metallurgists Awards ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished leaders in the field of metallurgy and steelmaking. Among them were Sajjan Jindal, President of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), Professor BS Murthy, Vice President of IIM, Brigadier Arun Ganguli (Retd.), and Dhiren Panda, Convenor of IIM-ATM.