Union Education Minister Lays Foundation for Tata Steel Foundation Community Projects in Banarpal Projects
Union Education Minister Lays Foundation for Tata Steel Foundation Community Projects in Banarpal Projects included Beautification of Banarpal Square, Renovation of Pond of Gotamara, Development of Laboratory and Play Ground of PSSJ Junior College Launched Arunima 2025: Awarded Jyoti Fellowships to students (95) Young athletes and women entrepreneurs recognized
Angul /Narendrapur, February 23, 2025: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Government of India, laid the foundation stone for a plethora of developmental projects to be undertaken by the Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) for the community today at Banarpal, Angul. The initiatives include the integrated development and beautification of Banarpal Square, renovation of the pond in Gotamara Panchayat, and the development of a laboratory and playground for PSSJ Junior College, Banarpal. Other distinguished guests present on the occasion included Shri Rudra Narayan Pany, Hon’ble MP, Dhenkanal; Shri Pratap Chandra Pradhan, Hon’ble MLA, Angul, Shri Agasti Behera, Hon’ble MLA, Chhendipada; Smt. Simarani Nayak, Hon’ble MLA, Hindol; Shri Ashok Mohanty, Hon’ble MLA, Pallahara, Shri Abdaal M. Akhtar, IAS, Collector & DM, Angul; Shri Rahul Jain, IPS, SP, Angul; Shri Bijay Kumar Nath, Chairman, Banarpal Panchayat Samiti; Shri Ashok Pradhan, Principal, PSSJ Junior college; Mohit Das, Chief, Corporate Services, Tata Steel Meramandali; and Dr. Ambika Prasad Nanda, Head, CSR, Odisha, Tata Steel. Shri Pradhan also inaugurated ‘Arunima 2025, TSF’s flagship annual program dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, youth, and students, held at PSSJ Junior College, Banarpal. He awarded fellowships to top 10 meritorious SC/ST students under the Jyoti Fellowship Programme of TSF. Total ninety-five students were awarded the Jyoti Fellowship on this occasion. In his address, Shri Pradhan applauded Tata Steel and the district administration for their initiatives, highlighting that these projects would significantly benefit local communities. He urged the community to actively support the area’s industrialization process, underscoring the transformative power of industry in enhancing education and health, as well as in creating employment opportunities that shape a bright future for the region. The Integrated Development Project aims to beautify Banarpal Square and tackle traffic issues simultaneously. Additionally, the renovation of Gotamara Pond is expected to enhance water conservation efforts, creating a potential storage capacity of 1 million
cubic feet for the benefit of local residents. The establishment of a laboratory and playground for PSSJ Junior College will further improve educational facilities for students.
Besides, six promising young volleyball players, who have trained under TSF’s sports initiative, were recognized for their outstanding performances at state and national level competitions. Three successful women entrepreneurs from the Gruhalaxmi Cooperative, promoted by TSF, were also honoured for their remarkable contributions to entrepreneurship.
This event attracted over 500 participants, including 300 women and 200 youth and students from neighbouring villages, reinforcing TSF’s commitment to inclusive growth and community development.
