Shri BL Bagra - National Aluminium Company Ltd.

Letters to the Editor
Best among the lot
I am a regular reader of Parichaya. Academically, I find it very useful for our
Post Graduate PR students. Of course, Parichaya is the best newsletter among
the lot that we receive from various Public Sector Undertakings as well as
MNCs. Congratulations.
J.S. Giri Rao, Reader
Department of Mass Communication, Berhampur University
Beautiful Presentation
I received the latest issue of Parichaya. Some of my guests, who went through the
newsletter, were very appreciative of its beautiful presentation. Particularly, the
cover and back cover pages of the issue are excellent. Thanks Nalco.
Informative & Vibrant
This too is Nalco
For the year 2006-07, 107 projects with a
budget of Rs.623.95 lakh were identified to
be undertaken by Nalco in 7 blocks and 2
NACs of Koraput district. Out of these, 84
projects worth Rs.429.45 lakh are to be
executed by the district administration
through various agencies and 23 projects
worth Rs.194.50 lakh by Nalco directly. Shri
G.K. Behera, ED(M&R), handed over a
cheque for Rs.104.81 lakh to Smt. Shubha Sarma, IAS, Collector, Koraput, on
December 18, towards 25% mobilization advance for starting the projects.
Meena Panda, Media Executive
Sushree Suvadra Advt. Agency, Golebazar, Sambalpur
Parichaya has always been very informative as well as colourful.
Congratulations to its editorial team.
Please include writings of noted writers
Arun Varma, AM (P&A-OL)
The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd., Mumbai
Thanks for sending across the Hindi edition of Parichaya. I sincerely appreciate
the efforts of Nalco in popularizing Hindi as official language. The layout
designs and photographs are of exceptional standard, worth appreciating.
Though it is a news-based publication, I would appreciate if you could include
features by noted writers related to Hindi.
Devkinandan Bisht
Deputy Director, Dept. of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi
Motivational
Thank you very much for publishing the news about my paper presentation in
Canada, for which I received congratulations from many of my colleagues and
seniors. Parichaya has always done a great job by publicizing the achievements of
Nalconians, thereby motivating them and encouraging others.
S.K. Patnaik
(received through e-mail)
DM (Mines), Panchpatmali
Shri B.L. Bagra
Our New Director (Finance)
Shri B.L. Bagra has joined Nalco
as Director (Finance) on February
28. The post had fallen vacant
following the resignation of Shri
S.C. Chhatwal in April, 2006. A
Chartered Accountant, Shri Bagra
brings with him 30 years of rich
experience in Transport, Mining,
Power and Seeds sectors. Before
joining Nalco, he was with RITES
as Director (Finance), since
December, 2000.
Starting with Rajasthan State
Electricity Board in 1977, Shri
Bagra has worked in organizations
like Rajasthan State Seeds
Corporation Ltd, Manganese Ore
(India) Ltd, Botswana Railways
and RITES. He is credited with
developing privatization and
concession division in RITES,
where the company was
successful in putting up joint
ventures and bagging concessions
of railway systems in Colombia,
Mozambique and Tanzania. With
his joining, Nalco’s Board has
been further strengthened.
Sharing the success with Shri
Bagra is his wife Smt. Nirmala,
daughter Dr. Meenakshi (a
dentist), sons Manish (settled in
business) and Manas (an IT
professional). On behalf of
Nalconians, Parichaya welcomes
Smt. & Shri Bagra, along with their
children to Nalco family.
Published by : Corporate Communication Department, National Aluminium Company Limited, Nalco Bhawan, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar - 751 013
Chief Editor : Harish C. Pradhan, DGM(PR) Editor : Anil Bhatt, Chief Manager (CC) Photography : P. Acharya, Sr. Photographer
Designed and Printed at : Perfect Print & Graphics (P) Ltd., 154, Mancheswar Industrial Estate, Bhubaneswar - 751 010, Ph.: 2587834
You may send your feedback to abhatt@nalcoindia.co.in
1

Organizations succeed or perish depending on
the core values and work culture
Shri C.R. Pradhan
CMD I/c, Nalco
[Excerpts from Republic Day Message]
The Republic Day is not a mere national celebration, it
represents a cherished milestone in our quest for a new social
order, with equality of opportunity for all the citizens of the
country. The Republic Day is an occasion for introspection and
evaluation of our past performance, strengthening our present
plans and programmes, as well as determining the future course
of action.
I strongly believe that Nalco has the right resources, right
expertise and right infrastructure to become a Company of global
repute. However, in a fiercely competitive world of business, we
have to mobilize all our resources in the best possible manner to
stay ahead in the industry. If we have to maintain our leadership
position in the industry, continue to provide better facilities to
our employees and also contribute to the community
development, we have to work very hard. Organisations succeed
or perish depending on the core values and work culture that
are practised by its people. The core values pursued by us are
primarily – customer satisfaction, harmonious and transparent
working conditions, concern for community and environment.
Our work culture should lead to upgradation of skills, better
quality of products and services, reduction in wastages,
conservation of energy and optimum utilization of resources.
Our work practices should be more innovative, pragmatic and
result-oriented, in order to enhance productivity in the plants
and improve the quality of life of the people.
As a successful organization, we are keenly watched by
the Government and the society as well. Any complacency in
performance can damage our image beyond repair. We have to
work collectively towards a better future for the Company. This
is the best way we can serve our country and the people.
2

NALCO PLAYS THE HOST
A meeting of Hindi Salahkar Samiti of Ministry of Mines, Govt.
of India, was organized by Nalco at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on
January 30. It was presided by Shri Sis Ram Ola, Hon’ble Union
Minister of Mines. Shri C.R. Pradhan, CMD I/c, headed the
Organized by QCFI, the National Convention of Quality Circles
(NCQC-2006) was held at IIT, Kanpur, from December 20 to 23,
in which more than 500 QCs from various organizations
participated. In the case study presentation, following QCs of
Nalco’s S&P Complex have been awarded under different
categories.
Nalco delegation. Members of the Samiti from different parts of
India, including Non-Government members, Officers of the
Ministry of Mines, Heads of PSUs under Ministry of Mines and
Hindi Officers, attended the meeting in large numbers.
Installation of ACLAS
Nalco’s commitment towards protection of environment was
reinforced with the installation of Automatic Chlorine Leak
Absorption System (ACLAS) at the CW Chlorination Plant, CPP,
Angul. This feat was achieved by the Engineers of Operation
Support Department. Shri S.S. Manurkar, GM(CPP), inaugurated
the system on January 10. Earlier, chlorine gas leakage was
neutralized manually; but with ACLAS, it is monitored round-theclock
and the entire chlorine gas of 900kgs can be neutralized
within an hour.
Our QCs Excel
QC Ankur
QC Ankur of Planning Cell, Smelter Plant, was adjudged ‘Par
Excellence’ in the competition under pure service category. This
is the first time that a team from pure service category of Nalco has
received such an accolade.
The Team
Leader : Shri P.K. Padhi
Dy Leader : Shri K.M. Bagh
Members : S/Shri S.N. Gadanaik, A.K. Nayak and N.K. Deo
Facilitator : Shri D.K. Sahu
Coordinator : Shri S.N. Sahu
QC Brahmajyoti
QC Brahmajyoti of C&I Department, CPP, presented its case study
on: ‘Frequent Failure of Measurement of Primary Air Flow to Mill’,
and bagged the ‘Excellent Award’.
QC Rasayana
QC Rasayana of M&R Complex participated in ICQCC-2006
at Bali, Indonesia, from November 20 to 24. The team
presented a case study on ‘Difficulty in Analysis of CO 2
in
Causticisation Mud’.
The Team
TQM Coordinator : Shri S.P. Nanda
Facilitator : Dr. P.K. Behera
Members : Shri B.S. Pradhan, Shri S.K. Swain,
Smt. A. Behera, Smt. K.P. Jarlina Baxla
and Shri S.R. Patra
3

Chemical Disaster Prevention
RAILWAY PLATFORM RAISED
The Chemical Disaster Prevention Day was observed at Alumina
Refinery on December 4. Various activities, like release of a
newsletter on Disaster Management, mock drill on HFO Pool
Fire, fire fighting demonstration and training programme for
contractors and contract workers, were organized to mark the
occasion. A presentation on ‘On-Site Emergency Plan of Alumina
Refinery’ was given by Shri K.C. Sahoo, Manager (E&S)/CSO.
Later in the evening, Shri P. Gaan, ED(M&R) and Shri B.N.
Mohanty, GM(O&M), attended the concluding function as chief
guest and guest of honour, respectively. Shri S.K. Patnaik,
DGM(SH&E), delivered the welcome address, while Shri Anand
Prakash, Sr. Manager (E&S), proposed a vote of thanks.
Safety Week
On public request, Nalco raised the height of the
existing Damanjodi railway platform at a cost of Rs.35
lakh. It was formally inaugurated by Shri P.K. Routray,
Director (Production), on October 30. Among others,
Shri S.K. Vasudeva, GM(Mat), Shri R.C. Pati, GM(Proj),
Shri S.V. Rao, GM (Finance) and Shri T.K. Shanmugam,
DGM (Civil), were also present on the occasion.
Awarded
Shri R.N. Jena, GM(Smelter), was awarded ‘International Gold
Star Millennium Award’ at a Conference on Indo-Nepal
Friendship & Economic Co-operation, for excellence in
promoting Global Integration, in Kathmandu, on February 7.
The Conference was organized by Citizens Integration Peace
Society, Nepal-India Forum for Peace and Development.
World AIDS Day
Mines Safety Week was observed at Panchpatmali Bauxite
Mines, jointly by NMDC and Nalco, under the aegis of
Directorate of Mines Safety, Bhubaneswar Region, from
December 14 to 20.
The inaugural ceremony was held at Nalco Mines Fire Station.
Shri G.K. Behera, ED(M&R), graced the function as the chief
guest. Various safety stalls were set up at Nalco Club by staff
and students of SVM, DPS and CISF (Fire Wing). On the
concluding day, Shri R. Kulsrestha, Director of Mines Safety,
Shri C. Ramesh Kumar, Dy. Director of Mines Safety, Shri K.S.
Sreedhara, GM(Mines), Nalco and other officials were present.
Nalco Mines bagged four running shields in various inter-mines
safety competitions. A musical troupe from Hyderabad regaled
the audience at the end.
At Damanjodi
To create AIDS awareness, Occupational Health Services, M&R
Complex, observed the World AIDS Day on December 1. Shri
R.C. Pati, GM(Projects), graced the function as the chief guest.
Among others, Dr. S. Mishra, CMS and Dr. S.K. Patnaik, MS,
were present on the occasion. To mark the occasion, banners
were displayed and leaflets on AIDS awareness were distributed.
At Angul
World AIDS Day was also observed at Zilla Krushi Bhavan,
Angul, under the aegis of Viswa Yuva Kendra, sponsored by
Nalco and MCL.
4

At Angul
National Energy Conservation Day was observed by the
Energy Conservation Cell (ECC) at S&P, Angul, on December
14. Shri A.K. Sharma, GM(O&M), Smelter and Chairman of
ECC, presided over the function. Shri B.P. Singha, Convener,
Death Anniversary of
Dr. Ambedkar
Energy Conservation Day
made a presentation on the activities and future plans of
the cell. Among others, Shri M.K.B. Nair, GM(R&D) and
Shri C. Sanyal, DGM (Carbon Plant), also addressed on the
occasion.
At Damanjodi
To mark the occasion, Shri G.K. Behera, ED(M&R) and Shri
K.S. Sreedhara, GM(Mines), read out the Energy Policy at
Refinery and Mines, respectively, highlighting the need for
conservation. Study materials on Energy Management was
also launched on the intranet by Shri G.K. Behera, ED(M&R).
An elocution competition was organized among the students
of SVM and DPS. Competitions like Kaizen on Energy
Conservation, Poster and Slogan competitions were also
organized for the employees. Subsequently, the winners
were awarded on the Foundation Day of the Company.
TOLIC Meet
The Nalco SC/ST
Employees Welfare
Association, S&P
Complex, observed
the 50th Death
Anniversary of Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar on December 6.
Shri U.B. Patnaik, ED(S&P),
Shri R.N. Jena, GM (Smelter),
Shri S.S. Patnaik, GM(H&A) I/c,
Shri P.C. Sethi, DGM(H&A), CPP,
Shri Charan Naik, President of the
Association, Shri Bhaskar Naik, Vice
President, Shri D. Sethi, Secretary and
others paid floral tributes to the statue
at the Ambedkar Park.
The 18th meeting of Town-level Official Language
Implementation Committee (TOLIC) was held at the Training
Centre of S&P Complex on December 20. Shri S.K. Sinha,
Senior Commandant, CISF, Angul Unit, presided over the
meeting and Shri S.S. Patnaik, GM(H&A)I/c, was the guest
of honour. Shri Sudarshan Tarai, Member-Secretary of TOLIC
and Manager (Rajbhasha), delivered the welcome address
and coordinated the meeting. Representatives from local
PSUs, Banks and Insurance Companies participated in the
meeting.
Seminar on Industrial Automation
Angul Local Centre of Institution of Engineers (India)
organized an All-India Seminar on ‘Advances in Industrial
Automation’ at S&P Complex, Angul, on November 18 &
19. Shri C.R. Pradhan, CMD I/c, Nalco, graced the occasion
as the chief guest and inaugurated the technical exhibition.
Shri B.P. Singha, Convener, delivered the welcome address.
Dr. L.M. Patnaik, Professor of Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore, delivered the key-note address. Shri A.K.
Tripathy, Director General, CPRI, Bangalore and Shri U.B.
Patnaik, ED(S&P), were the guests of honour. Shri A.K.
Sharma, Chairman of the Centre, presided over the
function. On the second day, technical papers were
presented and Shri P.K. Routray, Director (Production),
Nalco, graced the concluding session.
5

Best Technical Paper
Dr. P.K. Pattajoshi, Jr. Manager, M&R
Complex, Damanjodi, was awarded at the
annual function of the Society for Geoscientists
& Allied Technologists (SGAT) at Bhubaneswar
on December 17. His technical paper: An
Approach to Mathematical Modeling of Air Pollution Indices
was adjudged the best, for which he received a cash prize of
Rs.3000 along with a citation from Prof. Dr. Trilochan Pradhan,
former Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University.
Awarded
Shri S.S. Pattanayak, CM (Chem. Lab), CPP,
has been awarded the prestigious designation
of Chartered Scientist by the Science Council
of England. He is now entitled to affix CSci
after his name. He is the only one from Orissa
to achieve this distinction through Royal
Society of Chemistry, London. Besides, Shri Pattanayak is a life
member of Indian Society of Analytical Scientists, Mumbai and
a Fellow of Institute of Chemists (India), Kolkata
Best Trainee Award
Shri Malay Padhy, Technician, Planning Cell,
has been adjudged as the Best Trainee among
the 288 JOTS of 2006 batch, at S&P Complex,
Angul. For this, Shri Padhy was handed over
the Bhutia Memorial Award and a cash prize
of Rs.1000, during Republic Day celebrations.
Fostering Scientific Spirit
Shri S.N. Johri, Former CMD, Nalco,
felicitating Dr. Mishra
Dr. C.R. Mishra,
DGM(R&D), Corporate
Office, has received the
‘7th Rajdhani Pustak
Mela Puraskar’ for his
popular science book
‘Bigyanara Manabiya
Rupa’. Shri J.B. Patnaik,
former CM of Orissa,
handed over a memento,
a citation and a cash
award of Rs.1000 to Dr.
Mishra on December 12.
Subsequently, Dr. Mishra also received the ‘Sukumar – Sunanda
Janapriya Bigyan Puraskar’ instituted by Bigyan Prachar Samiti,
Cuttack, on December 31.
On the 27th Foundation Day Function of Nalco, Dr. Mishra’s
6th book on popular science, named Gyanara Aiswarjya, was
released at Bhubaneswar. Through this book, the author has
tried to reach out to the common man, propagating the Mission
of Science and Technology and its impact on the society. Among
other things, the book highlights the Indian Science and
Technology Scenario, Indian Moon Mission, Contributions of
Homi Bhabha to Indian Science, Bio-technology and the Third
World, Life & Works of Raja Ramanna, Life & Works of Kiran
Majumdar Shaw, ISRO and Indian Space Research, Kavli Prize,
CSIR and its Vision for the 21st Century, Application of Nuclear
Power, Knowledge Business etc. The book contains 34 such
features. The book will be useful in fostering the scientific spirit
among the students of schools and colleges.
Dalit Sahitya Conference
Nalco SC/ST Employees Welfare Association, Damanjodi, in
association with Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Academy, Orissa,
organized the 3rd All Orissa State-level Dalit Sahitya Conference
on December 10. Justice M. Papanna, former Justice of Orissa
High Court, graced the conference as the chief guest while Shri
P.K. Routray, Director (Production) and Shri G.K. Behera,
ED(M&R), were the guests of honour. Dr. Bhagbat Shukla,
Principal, SVM, was the chief speaker and Shri S. Lakra, President
of the Association, presided over the meeting. Shri T.R. Nial,
Secretary of the Academy, presented a report. Smt. Swati
Chatterjee, Teacher, SVM, Shri S. Lakra, President, NSSTEWA
and Shri Bijaya Acharya, Journalist, were felicitated on the
occasion.
Felicitation
Shri G.C. Naik, EA (Admn.), Operation Department, M&R
Complex, has received the Mahatma Jyotiba
Phule Award – 2006 from Bharatiya Dalit
Sahitya Academy, at a function held at
Talkotora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, on
December 1&2. He is also the State General
Secretary of All Orissa SC/ST & Minority
Employees Welfare Association and President,
Nalco Employees Association, M&R Complex.
A Noble Act
Shri Gurudev Rout, Sr. Technician
(Operation), CPP, has voluntarily donated
blood 12 times. In 1996, Shri Rout donated
blood for the first time at the Nalco Hospital
Blood Bank, and since then, he has been
donating blood to various blood banks.
Farewell
Shri Ravi Joshi, Chief Manager (Admn.), Delhi Office, opted for
voluntary retirement and was relieved from the services on January
30. The staff of Delhi Office accorded a touching farewell to Shri
Joshi, who had put in more than 25 years of service with Nalco.
6

58th Republic D
Shri C.R. Pradhan, CMD I/c, inspecting the parade
Nalco joined the Nation in celebrating the 58th Republic
Day. Flag hoisting, march past, sports and cultural activities
marked the occasion at Sites and Offices of the Company.
At Bhubaneswar
At the Corporate Office, Shri C.R. Pradhan, CMD I/c, hoisted
the tri-colour and paid homage to the architects of the largest
democratic republic of the world. Shri Pradhan also
inaugurated a rose garden in the premises. An attractive
tableau, depicting Nalco’s various activities as a responsible
corporate citizen, took part in the State-level parade at
Bhubaneswar.
At Angul
Shri U.B. Patnaik, ED(S&P), hoisted the national flag and
received the guard of honour at the joint parade by Jawans
of CISF and G-4 Security Force, as well as students of SVM
and DPS, at Biju Patnaik Sports Complex. As in previous
years, Sarjana Suggestion Awards were given away to
individual employees and groups of Smelter and CPP by the
GMs. Shri Patnaik also awarded prize to outstanding NCC
Cadet Ms Bhabana Rathi. Shri Patnaik, accompanied by Shri
S.S. Pattnaik, GM(H&A) I/c, graced the celebrations at the
nearby hutting school and paid a goodwill visit to Nakul
Chandra residential school for blind, deaf and dumb at
Balaramprasad village.
At Damanjodi
Shri G.K. Behera, ED(M&R), unfurled the tri-colour and
inspected parade contingents comprising CISF Jawans,
Inauguration of Rose Garden at Corporate Office
At S&P Complex, Angul
7

ay Celebration
Nalco tableau at State-level parade
At Port Facilities, Vizag
over on the occasion by Shri S.K. Vasudeva, GM (Materials),
Shri P. Gaan, GM(AR), Shri B.N. Mohanty, GM(O&M), Shri
R.C. Pati, GM (Projects), Shri K.S. Sreedhara, GM (Mines),
Shri A. Jha, GM (Construction) and Shri R.P. Swain,
GM(H&A) I/c. The final matches of Annual Athletic Meet
were organized by Sports Cell to mark the occasion. Food
packets were also distributed among the tribal hostelers of
Govt High School at Mania, as a goodwill gesture.
At Vizag
At the Port Facilities, Shri S.K. Patra, GM(PF), hoisted the
national flag and received the guard of honour from APSPF.
In his address, he enumerated the achievements of the
Company in general and Port Facilities in particular,
including the recent achievement of 400th shipment.
At M&R Complex, Damanjodi
Group-4 Security Personnel, DPS and SVM students. Shri
Behera, also handed over the best turn out trophies to 9
cadets and best contingent shield to NCC girls of DPS,
Damanjodi. The Sarjana Suggestion awards were also handed
At Panchpatmali Mines
8
Best tableau award at district-level parade

Hindalco to buy Novelis for $6 bn
Hindalco has announced the acquisition of Canada-based
aluminium firm Novelis for $6 billion. The all-cash acquisition
would make Hindalco the largest rolled-aluminium products
manufacturer in the world, a statement said. This acquisition
would also put this copper and aluminium giant in the Fortune
500 list, three years ahead of target.
Novelis is a leader in aluminium products across Europe and Asia,
with a presence across 11 countries and employing 12,500 people.
Hindalco will take over Novelis’ debt of $2.4 billion, which would
be included in the purchase price, the company said.
(Source: TOI 12.02.07)
Hindalco deal may not impact aluminium prices
The $6-billion Hindalco deal to take over US-based Novelis
Inc is unlikely to have any impact – at least in short term – on
domestic aluminium prices as they are
benchmarked against London Metal
Exchange (LME) rates.
“The deal will catapult
Hindalco’s flat rolled
product capacity from 2
has been cleared by the Novelis’ board but is yet to be approved
by its shareholders.
Announcing the acquisition, Hindalco MD Debu Bhattacharya
said that regulations stipulate a $100-million break fee payable
to Hindalco, if a competing bid is made and if in the event, the
deal is derailed.
(Source: The Economic Times, 15.02.07)
Global aluminium tightly balanced
The year 2006 was a dream year for most commodities, also
for aluminium when prices peaked at $3,275 a ton on the
London Metal Exchange on May 11. Since then there has been
considerable action that has seen metal prices draw down.
Aluminium is now in the $2600 zone. This has been quite in
line with other base metal prices like copper and zinc.
Lower prices have a telling effect on most aluminium companies
in India, especially Hindalco and Nalco. One of the reasons
for the Aditya Birla Group to aquire Novelis is the reduction in
volatility of earnings that are commodity price driven.
(Source: The Financial Express, 13.02.07)
HAL & Nalco among PSUs cleared for Navratna list
A high-level government panel has admitted seven more public
sector firms, including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and
lakh tonnes to 32 lakh
tonnes per annum and
elevate the company to
leadership position in the
business. The profitability of
Hindalco can go up over a period of time,
but I don’t see any impact on aluminium prices,” said Mr
Shivanshu Mehta, Assistant Vice-President, NCDEX.
(Source: Business Line, 13.02.07)
Rusal weighs counter bid for Novelis
Even as Hindalco stock continued to be battered on investor
concerns about its plan to buy Novelis, unconfirmed reports
have indicated that Russia’s aluminium giant Rusal is exploring
options of putting in a counter bid for Novelis. Rusal, the world’s
largest aluminium and alumina producer, has publicly said that
it intends to have an increased presence in high value segments,
where Novelis is the world leader. Rusal, which was formed in
the late 90s through a string of acquisitions by Russian billionaires
Roman Abramovich and Oleg Deripaksha, has the financial
muscle to go in for an aggressive bidding.
Hindalco, India’s largest metals producer, surprised the global
metal world by announcing its intention to pay the shareholders
of Novelis $44.93 per share, or $6 billion, to buyout the USbased
company, a move that would give the Indian firm control
over specialized aluminium products and a toehold in the
mature markets of Europe and North America. Hindalco’s offer
National Aluminium Company (Nalco), into the coveted
Navratna club, taking its membership to 16.
While nine companies were in the fray, the Apex Committee
headed by Cabinet Secretary B K Chaturvedi cleared seven names
last week, official sources told PTI. Now, only the respective
ministers have to sign the necessary documents, they said. Other
companies who have been conferred the status are Bharat
Electronics Ltd, National Mineral Development Corporation,
Rural Electrification Corporation, Power Grid Corporation of
India Ltd and Power Finance Corporation.
They join the league of nine companies - BHEL, NTPC, SAIL,
BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, ONGC, IOC and MTNL. The Navratna
status would greatly enhance the financial and administrative
powers of Boards of these seven public sector enterprises.
(Source: PTI, 20.02.07)
Global alumina output slightly up in 2006
Alumina production, both globally and in Asia, has shown a
rise in 2006 as compared to previous year, points out the
London-based International Aluminium Institute (IAI). The
global spot alumina prices have also shown considerable
recovery, on better demand conditions from key users.
According to IAI, globally, production in 2006 was 58.39 million
tonnes, compared to 56.15 million tonnes previous year.
(Source: Business Standard, 22.02.07)
9

A LESSON
GEESE
from
HRD
Have you ever wondered why migrating geese fly in a
V-formation
As with most animal behaviour, God had a good reason
for including that in their instincts.
As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird
following.
It is important that such honking from behind be
encouraging.
When a goose gets sick or wounded, two other geese
drop out of formation and follow it down to help and
provide protection.
They stay with the unhealthy member of the flock until it
is either able to fly again, or dies.
Then they fly out again with another passing flock or try
to catch up with their own.
May we be so sacrificial, that we may be worthy of such
friends in our time of need.
You don’t have to be a scientist to learn from God’s
marvellous creation; you only need to stop long enough
to observe and let God reveal His wonders to you.
(Contributed by: Shri R. Gopal, SM(IE), M&R Complex)
WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR
They stay with the unhealthy member of the
flock until it is either able to fly again, or dies
In a V-formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% more
flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels
the drag of trying to fly alone. So, it quickly gets back into
formation.
Like geese, people who share a common direction and
sense of community can get where they are going, quicker
and easier than those who try to do it alone.
When a leading goose gets tired, it slides back in the
formation and another goose flies ahead in that position.
If people had as much sense as geese, they would realize
that ultimately their success depends on working as a
team, taking turns in doing the hard tasks, and sharing
leadership.
Geese in the rear of the formation make a typical honking
sound to encourage those in front to increase their speed.
Friends may not be able to pull you up; but,
they will still think of ways not to let you fall !
10

Kaleidoscope
New Kalyan Mandap
Cooking Competitions
Fulfilling a long-cherished desire of the employees, a beautiful Kalyan
Mandap, named ‘Asheervad’, was constructed at a cost of Rs.64 lakh
at Damanjodi. It was inaugurated by Shri P.K. Routray, Director
(Production), on December 10.
At Angul
Nalco Ladies Club of Angul organized a cooking competition
among the members on December 20. The jury, headed by
Smt. Promodini Patnaik, President of the Club, appreciated
the range and quality of items, urging others to participate.
Nalco in Parab 2006
Besides financial support of Rs.10 lakh, Nalco
participated in the prestigious tribal festival of
Koraput ‘Parab 2006’ by putting up a stall. Shri G.K.
Behera, Executive Director (M&R), inaugurated the
stall, which was highly appreciated by all.
At Damanjodi
Earlier, with the initiatives of Smt. Puspanjali Routray, Former
President and Smt. Sandhya Behera, President, Nalco Ladies
Club of Damanjodi also organized a cooking competition
among the members on December 6, in which different types
of snacks and sweets were prepared. Smt. Mamta Rani Das
was adjudged first, while Smt. Seema Kumari and
Smt. Satyabati Rao, stood second and third, respectively.
Aurobindo Study Circle
Relief for Fire Victims
The 21st Annual Day of Sri Aurobindo Study Circle was celebrated
on December 17 at Nalconagar, Angul. Shri Brahmananda Dash
of Pondicherry Ashram unfurled the spiritual flag, while Pt. K.C.
Nanda Sharma, Ms. K.L. Mohanty and Shri S.C. Kar delivered the
spiritual discourses.
A relief team, led by Shri S.S. Patnaik, GM(H&A) I/c,
visited Bentapur village, near Angul, on December
4, where about 15 families were badly affected in a
fire disaster. Relief materials, including rice, utensils,
dhotis and sarees, were distributed among the fire
victims, in the presence of local Sarpanch and Nalco
officials.

Shraddhanjali & Ranjeeta in
Pre-Olympics Soccer
SPORTS
Nalco’s footballers Shraddhanjali Samantray and Ranjeeta
Mohanty represented the Indian Women’s Football Team
and played against South Korea in Pre-Olympic qualifiers at
Seoul and Chennai.
Karate Champs
SVM Annual Sports
The 2nd All India Genbu-Kai Invitational Karate
Championship was held at Ispat Indoor Stadium, Rourkela,
from December 14 to 17. Representing Utkal Karate School,
Nalconagar, Nalco children won six medals in different
categories: Alison Lugun (1st in girls Kata & 3 rd in Fight),
Sidhant Sekhar Barik (2 nd in boys Kata), Jagatjeet Pattanaik
(2nd in boys Kata), Anita Lugun (2nd in girls Kata) and
Dinesh Pattanaik (3rd in boys Kata). All of them are being
trained by Sensei Jayadev Pattanaik, III Dan black belt, who
was felicitated as a senior instructor in the championship.
Runner-up
Shri D. Gope, Chargeman, Electrical
Department, M&R Complex, emerged as
the runner-up in the veterans singles at
the Inter-district State Table Tennis
Championship, held at Ispat Indoor
Stadium, Rourkela, from November 3
to 7. The championship was organized
by Rourkela Steel Plant, under the aegis
of Orissa State Table Tennis Association. Earlier in 2005,
Shri Gope had won a bronze medal in the national
championship at Hyderabad and also represented the Indian
veterans’ table tennis contingent, to Germany, in 2006.
Silver for Anuradha
Nalco’s ace athlete Anuradha Biswal bagged
a silver medal in 100 metres women’s
hurdles at the National Games held at
Guwahati from February 9 to 19.
The 22nd annual sports of SVM, Angul, was conducted from
December 21 to 24. Shri U.B. Patnaik, ED(S&P), graced the
inaugural session as the chief guest. Dr. S.S. Bahinipati,
Principal, delivered the welcome address. Shri R.N. Jena,
GM (Smelter) & President, School Management Committee,
presided over the function. Shri S.C. Rath, DGM (Finance),
Shri A.K. Sahu, DGM(H&A), Dr. S. Soren, DGM(MS), Dr.
S.N. Sahu, Vice-Principal, SVM and Shri B.B. Nanda,
Secretary, were also present on the occasion. Prizes and
certificates were handed over to the winners on the
concluding day.
SVM bags Champions Trophy
SVM, Angul, has emerged as the champion in All Orissa +2
Inter-college Table Tennis Tournament, which was held at
Nalco Nagar from December 1 to 4. The Council of Higher
Secondary Education, Orissa, had organized the tournament.
12

OUR SCHOOLS
Making a Mark
Shrihita Lovejeet Anupriya Ananya
R. Shrihita, Lovejeet Singh Naik, Anupriya Mridha and Ananya
Mishra, all students of DPS, Damanjodi, were awarded
consolation prizes in the ‘Hindu Young World Painting
Competition’ held at Visakhapatnam on November 19.
YRC Volunteers’ Meet
Young Painter
Jayanta, son of Shri B.K. Swain, working as
Chargeman in C&I Department, CPP and a
student of Class VII of SVM, Nalconagar, has
been awarded ‘Balachitra Rathna’ in the
International Children’s Art Competition. It was
organized by Korsala’s Wonder Art World,
Amalapuram.
Budding Talent
Joykiran, son of Shri M.N. Toppo, Executive
Asst. (Mktg) and a student of Class VIII, Loyola
School, Bhubaneswar, participated in the
International Inter-school Competitions for
junior classes ‘EUREKA-2006’ from November
24 to 27 at Lucknow, organized by City
Montessori School.
Poetess Felicitated
A State-level inter-college Youth Red Cross (YRC) Volunteers
and Counsellors training was held at the Women’s College,
Angul, on October 28 & 29. A blood donation camp was also
organized to mark the occasion. 15 YRC Volunteers of SVM,
Nalconagar, Angul, led by Shri Bichitrananda Nayak, YRC
Counsellor, attended the camp, donated blood and won prize
in quiz competition.
All-Rounder
Subhojit, son of Shri P.C. Panda,
Manager (S), Corporate Office, and a
student of +2 first year science, BJB
College, was awarded 1st prize in a
State-level Spot Nature Painting
Competition, organized by Regional
Museum of Natural History,
Bhubaneswar. He also secured 1st
prizes in Art and English Essay
competitions organized by BJB Junior
College, Bhubaneswar. Earlier, he
had been adjudged the best all-rounder of Class-X for 2006-07
by D.A.V. Public School, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar.
Little Artist
Shreeyanka, daughter of Smt Sunanda, EA(PR)
& Shri Uttamananda Rout, Sr. EA (Projects), and
a student of Class III, DPS, Nalconagar, was
awarded a Certificate of Merit in the 11th
International Inter-DPS Children’s Art Exhibition
held at DPS, Ranipur, Hardwar.
Smt. Nihar Manjari Mohapatra, Teacher, SVM, Nalconagar,
Angul and wife of Shri P.K. Panigrahi, Manager (Finance), M&R,
Damanjodi, has been felicitated for her poetic contributions by
State Council for Artistic Research and Training, Govt of Orissa,
at the 6th State Award Ceremony – 2006. Smt. Mohapatra
received a citation from Smt. Surama Padhi, Minister of State
for Co-operation, Govt of Orissa, at a function in Bhubaneswar
on December 25.
Awarded
Children with their Art Teacher Shri Samir Barik
Seven children of School of Art & Craft, Damanjodi viz. Manabi
Samal, Smruti Snigdha Nayak, Debabrati Dash, Bibek Pradhan,
Anita Majhi, Anwesha Das and Ananya Mishra, were awarded
by Orissa Lalit Kala Akademi for their paintings at Bhubaneswar
on February 5. These young painters had participated in the
18th State-level Child Art Competition, at Koraput.
13

HEALTH
Every technological leap brings along fears about health hazards. Cell phones
are no exception. These mobile phones emit low levels of radio frequency
radiation, known as RF. This is somewhat similar to the radiation generated
inside microwave ovens or by radars, but very much lower in intensity.
These phones emit RF at all times, but the emitted power is much higher
when the phones are in use than when they are in stand-by mode.
Much of the health concern is related to use of mobile cell phones, since
these have built-in antennas. On the contrary, a cordless phone, which has a
base unit connected to the telephone wiring in a house, is considered safe.
As one is aware, high levels of RF can produce biological damage due to
heating effects. But, cell phone antennas use low frequency electromagnetic
waves to communicate with base stations. The radiation emitted at these
frequencies cannot possibly break chemical bonds in body’s cells; but, there
could be other biological effects. Some researchers are concerned because
cell phone antennas concentrate their energy in a very small region against
the head, during a conversation.
One recent study found that cell phones affect the brain’s electrical activity.
Fifteen young men were exposed to cell phones that were turned on and off.
When the phones were on, neurons on the near side of their brain were
slightly more active. The effect lasted for at least an hour. If this is indeed a
problem, children are at the highest risk, because they have thinner skulls
than adults.
However, no clear picture of the biological effects of this type of radiation
has emerged so far. Therefore, the current knowledge is inconclusive to state
whether cell phones are safe or not. Nevertheless, if one is interested in
minimizing the potential risk, there are some simple steps that need to be
taken:
Avoid keeping cell phone near to the heart.
Reduce the amount of time spent on cell phone. Rather, use a
conventional phone or cordless phone whenever possible.
Purchase a phone with a low SAR rating [The unit used to measure the
radiation emitted by mobile phones is called Specific Absorption Rate
(SAR), in units of watts of power absorbed per kilogram of tissue (w/kg).
The permissible limit for mobile phones is 1.6 w/kg of RF.]
14