Jamshedpur: Indian Institute of Metals (IIW) Jamshedpur Branch, in collaboration with CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), Jamshedpur, hosted a two-day “Branch Level Welding Competition” under the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative.
The event aimed to identify top welders across five categories: Best Structural Welder (SMAW), Best Structural Welder (GMAW), Best Pipe Welder (SMAW), Best Pipe Welder (GMAW), and Best Pipe Welder (GTAW). The top five welders from this competition will advance to the national level contest organized by the National Welding Seminar (NWS) and represent IIW, Jamshedpur Branch.
The competition, featuring approximately 30 participants, began with an inaugural session at 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director of CSIR-NML, emphasized the critical need for skilled welders in the industry and encouraged participants to excel. IIW Jamshedpur Branch Chairman Dr. Anand Prabhakaran outlined the competition format, which includes Visual and Radiographic assessments based on ISO and ASME standards. Participants will receive certificates of participation, and winners will be awarded certificates in their respective categories.
The session continued with remarks from M. Udaya Bhaskara Rao, Principal Scientist and Head of the Engineering Division at CSIR-NML, who highlighted the advanced welding facilities and training programs available at CSIR-NML, including robotic MIG welding and high-speed imaging systems.
Kalyan Prasad, Chief Spares, Services, and Projects at Tata Steel and former chairman of IIW Jamshedpur, discussed IIW’s activities and the importance of welding skills, noting the existing skill gap and expressing appreciation for CSIR-NML’s support in the event. The inaugural program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Atanu Das, Senior Scientist at CSIR-NML.
Local industry professionals from East Singhbhum, including representatives from Tata Steel, CSIR-NML, and MSMEs, attended the event.
