HERALD: Can you briefly introduce Indian Institute of Metals?
D M KULKARNI: The idea of formation of an Indian Institute for Metallurgists (IIM) was conceived as early as in 1945 and formed in Kolkata in 1946. This was possible by the efforts of a few metallurgists, who realised the need for an adequate body for professional metallurgists in India. During that time many of the technical information was not easily available in India. Communication with other countries was difficult because of the war. The ordnance factories and many other industries involved in manufacture of various products for the war efforts were greatly handicapped because of the non-availability of technical information on metallurgy.
HERALD: What is the scope and what are the general activities of IIM?
DMK: The scope of the institute’s activities includes mineral beneficiation, extraction, fabrication, heat treatment, finishing as well as practical and theoretical aspects of metallurgy of all ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys. Ceramics and other disciplines and technologies allied to metallurgical problems also come under the scope of the institute. The activities of the institute include organising national and international conferences, workshops, short term courses, projects, technical exhibitions and National Metallurgists Day celebrations – annual technical meetings.
HERALD: What about the Goa Chapter?
DMK: The IIM had chapters in almost all important towns and cities of India except Goa. Though, at BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, we do not have a separate Department of Metallurgy, 23 faculty members across Engineering and Science Departments who are associated with metals for their research came forward to form the Goa Chapter of IIM. We formed the Goa Chapter in July-2016 which we have now planned to inaugurate on Sunday, 25-September, 2016. The Chapter will be inaugurated by Professor Indranil Manna, president of Indian Institute of Metals and Director, IIT Kanpur along with Dr Biswajit Basu, vice president, IIM and head, Aditya Birla Science and Technology Co Ltd.
HERALD: What would be the relevance to Goa?
DMK: Mining has been a very important element in the economic history of modern Goa. However, apart from mining which is a major sector in Goa, we are looking for partnering with professionals dealing in metals, raw materials, minerals, mining, metal processing, plant machinery and equipment for metallurgical Industries, testing equipment and services and environmental management. I am sure this platform will enhance the university-industry linkage and increase the research focus and technological activities in Goa.
BITS Pilani as a university is very well-known for its university-industry linkage through its practice school and work integrated learning programs. We have almost 40+ industries across Goa which are associated with BITS Pilani as our practice school stations. In BITS Pilani, UG students go to industry at the end of 2nd year and for one full semester during 4th year (total 7 and 1/2 months) which is a part of our curriculum.
HERALD: Is there any activity planned by Goa chapter on the National Metallurgist Day?
DMK: National Metallurgist Day is celebrated every year on November 14. This is a 4-day event in which apart from NMD, annual technical meetings (ATM) are arranged. The 54th NMD celebration and the 70th ATM will be held at IIT Kanpur from November 11 to 14, 2016. The theme of the conference is “Metals, Materials and Manufacturing for a Self- Reliant India”. The Goa Chapter of IIM is aspiring to host 55th NMD and 71st ATM celebration in 2017.
