8 of our students, 2 from Civil, 2 from Metallurgy, 1 each from CSE, ECE and EEE were the proud recepients of the O.P.Jindal memorial Scholarships awarded by JSW Steel Works as part of its social commitment. This is an annual award and is an inspiration for many students.

The selection of the candidates rests with a committee that selects students with several selection parameters - academic performance, NSS and NCC achievements, voluntary blood donation, participation in sports and paper presentations. All the eight students deservedly won the scholarships - there were two first generation learners, two wrestlers, gold, silver and bronze medallists, winners at paper presentations, a tennis player, an Under Secretary of NCC, a Rajya Purashkar President award winner and all were academic performers.

The function was organised in the Metallurgy seminar Hall. Dr.Vijay Sharma, JMD and CEO, JSW Steels was the Chief Guest. Mr.Jayant Sathaye,Executive Director of JSW, Salem Works, Mr.Alok Mehotra and Mr.Kannan were the other JSW executives. It was a pleasure to introduce the Chief Guest to the gathering.

Dr.Vijay Sharma reminded students about the mission of O.P.Jindal who wanted to help the society with what he had. He exhorted them to do their best at whatever they did. He wanted them to adapt themselves to changes - a reference to the economic recession. He asserted that it was a temporary phase and that India had weathered the recession much better than most countries. He assured the gathering that JSW was committed to its recruitment of students from GCE this year too. That drew a loud round of applause. His brief three minute speech was noted for its simplicity, conviction and reassurance.

The press, The Hindu and CTN, were there to cover the presentation of scholarships. I think that more such acknowledgements from the industry of the value of GCE as a partner in social responsibility and commitment will benefit the student community and open up possibilities of industry - academia interaction in enhancing the quality of life for the society we live in.