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Shri Sajjan Jindal
(President of The Indian Institute of Metals : 2024-25)
Dear Members
Warm greetings and heartfelt regards to everyone.
It is an immense honor and a profound sense of responsibility to serve as President of The Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) for the year 2023-24. The trust you have placed in me is humbling, and I am committed to upholding the high standards of excellence and dedication that have been the hallmark of our Institute.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our outgoing President, Mr. Satish Pai, Your visionary leadership, tireless efforts, and unwavering dedication have significantly propelled the Indian Institute of Metals to new heights. Under your guidance, we have made remarkable strides in advancing our field, fostering collaboration, and nurturing the next generation of engineers and researchers. Your contributions have set a high bar for us all, and we are profoundly grateful.
India is one of the world's largest producers of steel, ranking second globally with an annual production of over 100 million tonnes in 2023. The aluminium sector also holds a significant position, with India being the second-largest producer in the world, boasting an annual production capacity of over 4 million tonnes. India's strategic focus on materials science research is positioning the country as a global leader in this field, contributing to its emergence as a research hub for materials science.
The role of metals and materials in nation-building cannot be overstated and the industry contributes significantly to the national GDP and provides employment to millions of people, both directly and indirectly. From the infrastructure that underpins our cities to the advanced technologies that drive our industries, metals and materials are fundamental to our progress and prosperity. They are the bedrock upon which we build our bridges, construct our buildings, manufacture our vehicles, and develop cutting-edge technologies in healthcare, energy, and telecommunications. Large-scale infrastructure projects, such as smart cities and industrial corridors, driving demand for metals and materials. Our work as engineers and scientists in this field becomes critical to driving innovation and sustaining growth.
The Indian Institute of Metals has always been at the forefront of this endeavour. Our organization has played a pivotal role in advancing research, promoting education, and fostering collaboration among professionals in the metals and materials industry. We have been instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that our members are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the future.
Looking ahead, my vision is to elevate the Indian Institute of Metals to a unique position among industrial and academic institutions. We must continue to innovate, collaborate, and lead. To achieve this, we will focus on the following strategic initiatives:
1. Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration: We will act as a catalyst in bridging the gap between the evolving technology requirements of industries and the research and development efforts of academic institutions. By fostering stronger partnerships, we can ensure that our research is aligned with industry needs and that our graduates are prepared to contribute effectively to the workforce.
2. Promoting Sustainable Practices: As stewards of our environment, we must prioritize sustainable practices in our work. We will champion initiatives that promote the responsible use of resources, the development of eco-friendly materials, and the implementation of sustainable manufacturing processes.
3. Enhancing Education and Training: We will continue to invest in the education and training of our members. By providing access to the latest knowledge, skills, and technologies, we can ensure that our members remain at the cutting edge of our field. This includes expanding our professional development programs, workshops, and conferences.
4. Fostering Innovation and Research: Innovation is the lifeblood of progress. We will support and encourage pioneering research in emerging areas such as nanomaterial, biomaterials, and advanced manufacturing techniques. By fostering a culture of innovation, we can drive the next wave of technological advancements.
5. Building a Stronger Community: Our strength lies in our community. We will not only work for increasing membership but also work to create a more inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environment for all our members. By strengthening our networks and enhancing our communication, we can ensure that every member feels valued and connected.
Its high time, the Indian Institute of Metals must expand to encompass materials science, broadening its scope to become a more dynamic and active institution. Highlighting the pivotal role of materials in the new economy, this expansion will underscore the deep connection between materials science and the traditional metals and metallurgical background, fostering innovation and growth in both fields.
In my tenure as President, along with my distinguished Vice-Presidents, I am committed to leading the Indian Institute of Metals with integrity, vision, and dedication. Together, we will build on the remarkable work of the past, strive for excellence, and shape a future where the contributions of metals and materials engineers are recognized and celebrated for their essential role in nation-building.
Thank you for this honor and the opportunity to serve. Let us embark on this journey together, united in our passion and commitment to excellence. /p>
Best Regards,
Sajjan Jindal
(Shri Sajjan Jindal)