RINL Observes Smruthi Divas with Blood Donation Camp, Tree Plantation Drive
Visakhapatnam, June 13 (TNT): Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) , the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), on Saturday observed “Smruthi Divas” with a voluntary blood donation camp and tree plantation programme at Ukkunagaram Township, paying tribute to employees and contract workers who lost their lives in industrial accidents.
The programme was organised by the Steel Executives’ Association (SEA) of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in association with Lions Blood Bank, JCI Ukkunagaram Chapter and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital.
The event marked the 14th consecutive year of observance in memory of the 19 employees and contract workers who lost their lives in the tragic accident at Steel Melting Shop-II (SMS-II) in 2012.
The gathering also paid homage to nine employees and contract workers who died in the industrial accident at RINL on June 8, 2026.
Participants observed a moment of silence and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
RINL Chairman and Managing Director M.N.V.S. Prabhakar lit a candle and offered floral tributes to the departed souls.
He also planted a sapling at the SEA Bhavan premises, symbolising remembrance, environmental responsibility and commitment to a greener future.
Addressing the gathering, Prabhakar stressed the importance of strict adherence to safety standards and best practices in industrial operations.
“Safety must remain the foremost priority at every workplace,” he said, calling upon employees and stakeholders to strengthen the culture of safety across the organisation.
The CMD appreciated blood donors for their voluntary contribution and lauded the Steel Executives’ Association for organising the blood donation camp every year as a mark of respect to the departed souls.
On behalf of Lions Blood Bank, he presented a shield to the SEA in recognition of its efforts in promoting voluntary blood donation and organising the annual camp.
A total of 75 units of blood were donated by members of the steel plant community during the camp.
Among those who participated in the programme were Director (Projects) and Director (Personnel) (Additional Charge) A.K. Bagchi, Director (Commercial) G.V.N. Prasad, Director (Finance) Vinay Kumar, Director (Operations) Subhasis Sengupta, CGM (Works In-charge) Ghosh, senior RINL officials, SEA representatives Vidyut Kumar Varma, K.V.D. Prasad, M. Satyanarayana and Srikant Kalyan, besides trade union leaders and representatives of Lions Blood Bank, JCI Ukkunagaram Chapter and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital.
As part of the observance, saplings were planted at the SEA Bhavan premises and lunch was sponsored for two orphanages in Visakhapatnam in memory of the departed souls.
The programme reflected RINL’s commitment to honouring employees who lost their lives in the line of duty while reinforcing the values of workplace safety, community service, environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
TNT KM
