Mumbai, Dec 10 (IANS): Eminent industrialist Ratan N. Tata was conferred the Steel Users Federation of India (SUFI) Lifetime Achievement Award for his association and contribution to the industry, an official said here on Monday.
The award was bestowed on Tata by Union Minister for Steel Choudhary Birendra Singh and other dignitaries on Sunday night, besides 450 delegates from 10 countries representing the industry attending the 2nd SUFI Steel Awards.
The other prominent awardees included Hall of Fame category's 'Steel CEO of the Year' for Vipul Mathur, CEO, Welspun Corp. Ltd; Tata Steels Ltd. and Maharashtra Seamless Ltd sharing the 'Steel Company of the Year'; and POSCO Maharashtra Steel Pvt. Ltd and Naresh Steel Industries Ltd. jointly bagging the 'Emerging Steel Company of the Year' honours.
In the special category, M. Junction won the 'Digital India Award', JSW Steels Ltd. got the 'Make In India Award' and Metal Street bagged the 'Start-Up India Award'.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said that the steel industry needs in-depth research and motivation to stay ahead of competition globally, and accommodate the 'Make in India' initiative.
"The government is pacing towards boosting and assisting the steel industry towards innovations and technology revolution," said Singh.
SUFI President Nikunj Turakhia said that recognising the disconnect between the industry and government, the organisation has been instrumental in bridging the gap.
"We believe it is imperative that the contribution of those who have made the steel industry reach its heights today is recognized through these awards," Turakhia added.
The SUFI Steel Awards with several categories added this year, were conducted in association with the Steel Group, Steel Scenario and ASSAR.