by Arun Pathak
RNS: Bokaro witnessed a lively two-day Basant Mela on the 16th and 17th of March, held at the library ground in Sector-5, courtesy of the Bokaro Steel Plant. The fair featured around 100 stalls representing various departments of BSL, including voluntary organizations, educational institutions, business establishments, and banks. The event concluded late on Sunday evening.
The Mithila Mahila Samiti’s stall, a unit of the esteemed social and cultural organization Mithila Sanskritik Parishad, Bokaro, was a major attraction at the fair. Visitors were drawn to Mithila paintings and other artifacts, as well as the diverse food and drinks offered by the committee. President Seema Jha, Cultural Secretary Binu Chaudhary, and other members played an active role in the stall’s success.
Various stalls offering Indian dishes, including Modern Pandit Cafe, Koji Sweets, and Hans Regency, attracted crowds with their delectable offerings. The fair also featured captivating performances of songs, music, and dance, enjoyed by both children and adults on the different swings available.
The Basant Mela was inaugurated on Saturday by Director in-charge of RSP and the Additional-in-charge Director of BSL, Atanu Bhowmik, with a balloon flight. He encouraged city residents to enjoy the fair. Also present at the inauguration ceremony were Bokaro Steel Plant Executive Director (Operations) Birendra Kumar Tiwari, Executive Director (Projects) CR Mahapatra, Executive Director (Finance and Accounts) Suresh Rangani, Executive Director (Personnel and Administration) Rajan Prasad, Executive Director (Mines) Jaideep Dasgupta, Executive Director (SRU) PK Rath, Chief General Manager (Personnel) Hari Mohan Jha, Chief General Manager (Municipal Services) Kundan Kumar, General Manager AK Singh, Communications Head Manikant Dhan, and other officials.
The guests were warmly welcomed by Anita Tiwari, President of Mahila Samiti, Bokaro, and they visited various stalls at the fair.
Traditionally, the Basant Fair was held in Sector-3 of the city before the pandemic. However, due to the open environment and ample space available, the BSL management has chosen the library grounds for the fair since last year. The fair featured stalls from various departments of Bokaro Steel Plant, showcasing operations, education, sports, horticulture, water supply, public relations, and contributions made under CSR. Apollo Clinic and Wellmark Hospital offered free blood pressure and sugar testing.
