The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
ANGUL, MARCH 9, 2025
In an inspiring celebration of health, fitness, and community spirit, Jindal Steel & Power (JSP) marked the birthday of its visionary Chairman, Naveen Jindal, by dedicating the day to fitness and launching several key community development projects. Employees, their families, and local residents of Angul came together to honour the man whose leadership continues to inspire positive transformation within the company and the surrounding communities.
The celebrations began early with a special puja at the Devbhoomi Jindal Temple, setting a spiritual tone for the day. Following this, the festivities kicked into full gear with the launch of a mini-marathon within Jindal Nagar Township. The event, flagged off by JSP’s Angul location head and Executive Director-in-Charge, Pankaj Malhan, witnessed enthusiastic participation from all age groups, with employees, their families, and members of the local community joining in. The marathon culminated with winners being felicitated and recognized for their sportsmanship.
As part of JSP’s ongoing commitment to the community, the Jindal Foundation unveiled a state-of-the-art, 1000-capacity pavilion at the newly developed playground in Golabandh village, located near the Angul plant. This new facility will provide ample space for local residents to engage in various sports and fitness activities, promoting a healthier lifestyle across the community. Prashant Hota, President and Group Head of Jindal CSR, dedicated the facility to the villagers, emphasizing Naveen Jindal’s focus on organic diets, fitness, and sports for people of all ages.
To mark the occasion, youths from Benagadia and Golabandh villages participated in a friendly cricket match, further reinforcing the spirit of unity and healthy competition. “Mr. Naveen Jindal’s vision encompasses not only the industrial growth of the country but also the holistic well-being of the communities around us,” said Hota during the inauguration.
A significant part of the celebrations was the unveiling of several vital development initiatives, which include the Naveen Jindal Skill Centre, the Safety Park, a new Volleyball Stadium, and a canteen designed to improve the lives of JSP employees and the surrounding community. These facilities were inaugurated by Pankaj Malhan, who was joined by senior executives such as Damodar Mittal, Executive Director-Projects, Dinesh Tripathy, Dilip Sinha, and other distinguished dignitaries, including Yoga Guru Swami Satyabindu Saraswati.
During the ceremony, Malhan praised Naveen Jindal, describing him as a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for both personal health and national growth. “Mr. Jindal considers everyone at JSP as part of his extended family. His unwavering commitment to national progress, social welfare, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle is truly inspiring. On this special day, let us all pledge to uphold his values and contribute to the nation’s growth,” Malhan said.
Swami Satyabindu Saraswati also shared his reflections on Naveen Jindal’s discipline and dedication, acknowledging the Chairman’s balanced approach to both his professional achievements and personal life.
Other notable dignitaries, including Seema Malhan, Anita Mittal, and Damodar Mittal, offered their heartfelt birthday wishes to Naveen Jindal, praying for his continued success and well-being.
The Jindal Foundation further commemorated the occasion with community celebrations at various locations, ensuring the impact of the day’s events was felt far beyond the Angul plant.
In Angul, the Volleyball Home hosted the final match of a thrilling tournament, dedicating the competition to Jindal’s multifaceted personality as a patriotic industrialist, sports enthusiast, and philanthropist. The tournament not only celebrated his birthday but also highlighted his deep love for sports and fitness, which he continuously champions through JSP’s many initiatives.
Naveen Jindal, who is serving his third term as a Member of Parliament from the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha constituency, also holds the position of Chairman of the Indian Steel Association. His contributions have been recognized globally, including receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Texas, USA. Additionally, Jindal is the Founding Chancellor of OP Jindal Global University, which has earned recognition as the No. 1 private university in India in the QS rankings.
This year, JSP has launched “Celebrating the Legacy,” a series of programs that began on March 9 to honour Naveen Jindal’s birthday and will conclude on March 20 with the birthday of Savitri Jindal, the Chairperson Emeritus of Jindal Group. These programs, aimed at the welfare of JSP’s employees, their families, and local communities, underscore the company’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility, inclusive growth, and holistic development.
Through these celebrations and initiatives, JSP has once again demonstrated its dedication not only to industrial growth but also to fostering a healthier, more connected, and prosperous society.
