The Platinum Jubilee (75th year) celebrations of CSIR – National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), kick started in Digha today. 

To mark its inauguration, CSIR-NML, Jamshedpur, Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director of CSIR-NML, extended a warm welcome to all the industry experts, delegates from various industries, and representatives from academic and research institutions who actively participated in the highly anticipated 2nd Industrial Conclave on Maritime Corrosion Monitoring and Management (MCMM-2025). 

Dr. Chowdhury has highlighted the contributions of NML in the field of metal, materials and metallurgy in general and very specific how to monitor and manage corrosion degradation issues in these domains with respect to atmospheric and/or marine corrosion and allied industries. 

The event took place on February 28, 2025, at Hotel LeROI and CSIR-NML's Marine Corrosion Research Station (MCRS) in Digha. *Dr. Raghuvir Singh, Chairman of MCMM-2025*, provided a brief overview of the conclave. He also emphasized the government policies on development of industrial and economic growth along the coastal region of the country and suggested remedial solutions for corrosion degradation of the infrastructure and machinery. 

The program was formally inaugurated by the chief guest, Dr. Nagahanumaiah, Director of the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru, who lit the ceremonial lamp. 

In his speech, Dr. Nagahanumaiah highlighted the profound impact of corrosion-related losses on both industry and the overall economy. He emphasized the importance of sustainability and called for the creation of intellectual property within India. 

Dr. Nagahanumaiah also discussed the 4P's—product design, process design, people design, and production—and their crucial role in achieving sustainable national growth. 

Furthermore, he addressed the significance of the "Make in India, Make for India, Made in India" initiatives, while also stressing the importance of "Originated in India" for a sustainable future. He concluded by underscoring the need to prioritize fundamental science and engineering, warning that failing to do so could hinder India’s ability to compete with developed nations. 

Following the inaugural session, the technical program featured four industrial conclave talks. Mr. Vijay Kulkarni from Fosroc India presented on 'Corrosion Mitigation Solutions for Marine Corrosion,' followed by Mr. Dhruvesh Sah from Vector Corrosion Technologies (Canada), who spoke on 'Safeguarding Marine Civil Infrastructure….' 

Dr. Sanjay Chowdhury and Mr. Soumira K Basi from Berger Paints (India) Limited and other engaging sessions thereafter related to role of paints, coatings, etc in the safeguarding and innovative solutions to tackle the marine corrosion related issues. CSIR-NML’s technological interventions, a poster exhibition, and the JIGYASA program—targeted at both school children and delegates from various industries and institutions—will be showcased at the Marine Corrosion Research Station (MCRS) in Digha. 

In the afternoon, industry leaders will present specific industrial challenges on corrosion issues, followed by a panel discussion designed to foster collaboration and recommendations on the theme “Prevention Strategies for Marine Corrosion and Setting-up of Marine Corrosion Simulation Center”. 

This discussion will provide a platform for meaningful exchanges, aiming to shape the future of corrosion management within the maritime industry.