revving up the hydrogen movement · 2020. 10. 28. · taking the hydrogen leap 4 | indianoil news |...

Vol. LVII | Issue No. 10

October 2020

Hydrogen MovementRevving Up the

Editor-in-Chief: Subodh Dakwale

Senior Editor: Sadhana Khera Mittal

Editor: Anshu K Mahajan

Associate Editor: MVL Manikantan

CorrespondentsCorporate Office: Neha Deepak Choudhary, Anirban Dasgupta Refineries HO: Sabeena Chowdhary

Pipelines HO: N Shiva Kumar

R&D Centre: Mary Joseph

Marketing HO: Anubhooti Panda

Northern Region: Harish Gupta

Eastern Region: Arup Das

Western Region: Anjali Bhave

Southern Region: R Chidambaram

WRPL: Rajat Goyal

SRPL: Balakrishna Naik D

Guwahati Refinery: Elora Baruah

Barauni Refinery: Ankita Srivastava

Gujarat Refinery: Ciny Mathew Philip

Haldia Refinery: Sarbari Jana

Mathura Refinery: Renu Pathak

Panipat Refinery: RL Midha

Bongaigaon Refinery: Nilakshi Konwar

Paradip Refinery: Bhrigumani Sarmah

Digboi Refinery: Priyam Medhi

MemberAssociation of Business Communicators of India

Edited & Published byExecutive Director(Corporate Communications & Branding)on behalf of

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.G-9, Ali Yavar Jung Marg, Bandra (East),Mumbai-400 051.

Website: www.iocl.com

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ContentsEditorSpeak .................................................................................. 1

CERAWeek ...................................................................................... 2

Straight Talk .................................................................................. 3

Focal Point

Taking the Hydrogen Leap ................................................. 4

Spotlight

Towards Energy Sufficiency .........................................................8

The Light of Education ................................................................. 17

Making Every Drop Count .................................................18

Not All Heroes Wear Capes ...............................................20

The Trumpet of Triumph ....................................................22

Gallery

Nature’s Bounty ................................................................................. 25

Innerscape

Happenings at IndianOil ............................................................. 28

All in the Family

A Bond for the Ages .............................................................34

Accolades .....................................................................................36

Media Bytes ................................................................................37

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IndianOil NEWS | October 2020 | 1

Click to play video

October marks the beginning of the festive season in India and we, at IndianOil News, wish you and your family a happy and safe

celebration. Festivals bring us together to spread cheer and joy, and while the pandemic has altered many aspects of our lives, you can count on your IndianOil family to light the way forward.

This month saw the launch of India’s first HCNG pilot refuelling facility in New Delhi. This momentous occasion marks another step forward for us as ‘The Energy of India’, broadbasing our energy basket with a breakthrough fuel of the future. IndianOil was an early adopter of HCNG, recognising its potential as an environmentally friendly fuel and developing an innovative compact reforming technology to produce HCNG efficiently. Check out the Focal Point section to read more.

Do read a special feature in Spotlight section on IndianOil’s upcoming marketing infrastructure across the country to ensure the country’s fuel appetite is addressed. Take a safari with us into the jungles of Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, where the Pipelines Division has embarked on a unique elephant conservation project to protect and care for these magnificent animals. All this and more in the Spotlight section.

Catch the latest developments and much more in the Innerscape section.

We do hope you enjoy this month’s edition, available in multiple modes, including as a flipbook. Your feedback nourishes and keeps us going. Do write in. And don’t forget to participate in this month’s edition of the monthly Quiz and win fuel vouchers.

Subodh DakwaleEditor-in-Chief

EditorSpeak

Watch a video about IndianOil’s innovative approach to tree transplantation.

Watch this 2004 IndianOil ad featuring a train of elephants, symbolising how the brand scales the unachievable.

Watch Chairman discuss the latest happenings at IndianOil in this edition of Straight Talk.

Watch a video on IndianOil HCNG and its role in ushering in a hydrogen economy.

http://youtu.be/kYxVqfX0TAg

https://youtu.be/jJOzgfoU4qQ

https://iocl.com/uploads/ioclxpress/Straight_Talk_3oct.mp4

https://youtu.be/pcYJEWxJ8PU

2 | IndianOil NEWS | October 2020

India’s Energy Plan aims to ensure energy justice while fully following India’s global

commitments for sustainable growth. With a smaller carbon footprint, our energy sector will be growth-centric, industry-friendly and environment-conscious. That is why India is

among the most active nations in furthering renewable sources of energy

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi

We’ll meet national energy needs based on Energy Vision of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi

covering Energy Access, Energy Efficiency, Energy Sustainability, Energy Security & Energy Justice.

- Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of P&NG and Steel

“India’s energy future is bright and secure; energy consumption to double over the long term”: PM Modi at 4th India Energy Forum CERAWeek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 4th India Energy Forum by CERAWeek on October 26.

The three-day event is being held under the aegis of Niti Aayog & Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and is being attended by prominent energy ministers, leaders of oil & gas companies and national & international energy experts to deliberate on the state of the energy sector and its future. The theme of the Forum is ‘India’s Energy Future in a world of Change’.

Commenting on the transformational energy reforms that India has witnessed, he said, “India’s reform journey has been on high speed in the last five years,” highlighting changes in oil & gas exploration, production regime and gas marketing.

Galaxy of Speakers• H.R.H. Abdulaziz bin Salman AI Saud - Minister of

Energy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

• Dan Brouillette - Secretary of Energy, USA

• Dr. Daniel Yergin - Vice Chairman, IHS Markit & global energy expert

• H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber CEO, ADNOC and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE,

• H.E. Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar, Deputy Chairman, President & CEO, Qatar Petroleum

• H.E. Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, Secretary General, OPEC, Austria

• Mr. SM Vaidya, Chairman, IndianOil

• Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D), IndianOil

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined seven key drivers which will shape India’s energy map:• Cleaner use of fossil fuels like petroleum and coal

• Greater reliance on domestic source to drive biofuels

• Achieving the renewable targets of 450 GW by 2030

• Increasing contribution of electricity to decarbonise mobility

• Moving into emerging fuels including hydrogen

• Digital innovation across all energy systems

“Like the seven horses driving the Sun god’s chariot, India’s energy map will also have seven key drivers.”

StoppreSS


Straight Talk

For an organisation with a large customer interface, it is essential to remain focussed with a stakeholder-centric outlook. I am happy to share that we launched several initiatives focused on customer service excellence. These included the

relaunch of the large format SWAGAT Retail Outlets for the highway customers and new visual identity for retail outlets with fuelling options like CNG and EV charging. Achievement of Dhruva Compliance

status by 91% of Retail Outlets will bring in a superior buying experience for the customers.

Earning the sustained trust of our stakeholders and reassuring them of the perfect quality and

quantity of the fuel is our mainstay. A Check and Fill Campaign is currently running at IndianOil

Retail Outlets in all major cities. As brand ambassadors of IndianOil, I request you to spread

the word among your friends and family to participate in the campaign. The roll-out of such brand differentiators and value-added products and services will be the key to strengthen Brand

IndianOil in the future.

Watch Chairman discuss the latest happenings at IndianOil in this edition of Straight Talk.

Click to play video

Excerpts from Chairman's message to IOCians

Over the last six decades, IndianOil has expanded its range of offerings to include 28 types of oil & gas products, over 450 grades of lubes & greases, about 53 types of petrochemical intermediates and polymer

grades, through a network of nearly 53,000 customer touchpoints.

https://iocl.com/uploads/ioclxpress/Straight_Talk_3oct.mp4

Taking the Hydrogen Leap


On September 25, 2020, the Centre notified bio-CNG and hydrogen-CNG (HCNG) as automotive

fuels. On October 20, 2020 IndianOil launched India’s first HCNG Plant, with an HCNG dispensing station up and running in New Delhi.

Fuel of the FutureHCNG is produced by blending Hydrogen with CNG. Upto 18% of Hydrogen can be blended. The resulting fuel is cleaner and more economical than CNG, reducing the emissions of the engine’s

unburned hydrocarbon and quickening the combustion process. It simultaneously increases fuel efficiency by decreasing the fuel consumption of the vehicle. The resulting power output is superior to CNG.

Moreover, existing IC engines can run on HCNG without major modifications. Existing CNG dispensing refuelling infrastructure can deliver HCNG with minimal upgrades to infrastructure. It is thus an ideal interim fuel to achieve emission reduction and import substitution, part of a larger

Hydrogen blended CNG (HCNG) is all set to make its entry into the automotive fuel sector in India. With its patented compact reformer process, IndianOil is leading the hydrogen charge forward.

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, making up 90% of all atoms and three quarters of the mass of the universe. It scarcely exists in its pure state on Earth, mainly occurring in combination with oxygen and water, in addition to organic matter such as plants and coal.

Focal Point


quest towards ushering in Hydrogen fuel economy in the country.

With so many benefits, one might wonder why HCNG hasn’t become a mainstream fuel already. The answer lies in cost efficiency. The process of producing HCNG typically starts with extracting Hydrogen through the electrolysis of water, followed by high-pressure blending with HCNG. The high cost of this process offsets the savings achieved from fuel economy gains when compared to CNG. Clearly, a cost-effective solution was the need of the hour. This is where IndianOil stepped in.

Innovating for the Long HaulRecognising HCNG’s potential, IndianOil embarked on a project to produce HCNG directly from CNG, effectively skipping the energy-intensive electrolysis process and high-pressure blending

As an energy carrier, and not an energy source, Hydrogen stores and delivers energy in a usable form. Hydrogen, as a fuel, emits only water and heat, making it a zero-emission fuel.

“IndianOil took early steps in promoting hydrogen as a potential

energy form. We are aware of the potential of this fuel in reducing tailpipe

emissions. Besides improving combustion efficiency of IC engines, we came up with a patented innovation in reforming process

whereby, mother natural gas is directly reformed into hydrogen CNG mixture in a single step in

which hydrogen percentage is controlled at an optimum 18% by volume. Our R&D teams have

already made a promising foray in the hydrogen economy landscape. Hydrogen will emerge as the ultimate solution for a sustainable energy future.”

- SM Vaidya, Chairman

Dharmendra Pradhan, MoPNG, inaugurated the Compact Reformer at Rajghat Bus Depot, New Delhi.


costs. The result was a patented Compact Reforming process for direct HCNG production from natural gas, paving the path for HCNG production as per demand that is about 22% cheaper than conventional physical blending.

The flexible and robust process allows for the production of HCNG on-site, in less severe conditions and under low pressure. Hydrogen is controlled at 18% by partially reforming the mother gas. It also provides a higher yield HCNG mixture by up to 4%-5% compared to CNG’s input quantity.

Ground Zero: New DelhiIn November 2018, the Supreme Court directed IndianOil to submit regular updates on HCNG to a court-appointed committee. Plans were already underway for a pilot project to begin in New Delhi, starting with the city’s buses. The project aimed to help tackle the National Capital Region’s pollution levels, as HCNG emits 70% less carbon monoxide and 15% lower hydrocarbon than CNG.

IndianOil, in collaboration with Indraprastha Gas Limited and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), broke ground on the new HCNG production plant at Rajghat Bus Depot in July 2019. The unit has a production capacity of 4 tonnes per day.

Although the pilot was delayed due to certain statutory clearances and the COVID-19 pandemic, utmost efforts were made to get it up and running. Finally, on October 20, 2020, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of P&NG and Steel, launched the much-awaited trial run of Delhi's buses on HCNG at DTC’s Rajghat Bus Depot in New Delhi, in the presence of Mr. Kailash Gahlot, Minister of Transport, Govt of Delhi; Mr. Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas; Mr. SM Vaidya, Chairman,

IndianOil; Mr. AK Jana, MD, IGL; Mr. GK Satish, Director (P&BD); Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D); and Mr. AK Singh, Director (Pipelines).

Complimenting IndianOil’s initiatives, Mr. Pradhan said, “I am happy to note that the scientists of IndianOil R&D have risen to the occasion and have developed an innovative compact reforming technology for production of Hydrogen-mixed CNG.” Elaborating on the importance of Hydrogen in facilitating India’s energy transformation, Mr. Pradhan mentioned, “Hydrogen is the ultimate fuel, which, while giving energy, produces clean water in the emissions. Apart from this, it has many other virtues as the capacity to get the rural sector involved with the energy sector through biomass.” The Minister said

Focal Point

“Globally, we were the only ones to come up with this technology

five years ago. This method removes the need for storing and transporting Hydrogen separately which can be a

logistical nightmare.”- Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D),

on IndianOil's patented Compact Reforming technology

Click to play video

Watch a video on IndianOil HCNG and its role in ushering in a hydrogen economy.

https://youtu.be/pcYJEWxJ8PU


that this pilot project will be unique and help the country and the world as a whole.

50 BS-IV compliant cluster buses are part of the six-month trial. Once the pilot is successfully completed, HCNG is all set to be scaled up to more buses and private vehicles.

Racing Towards a Hydrogen EconomyCountries around the world are on a mission to

reduce emissions through alternative sources of energy. The Indian government is investing over R4 lakh crore to transform the country into a gas-based economy, ushering in an era free of pollution.

Hydrogen fuel has long been viewed as an ideal solution to reducing emissions. HCNG’s status as a notified fuel is just the beginning of a larger movement towards integrating Hydrogen into the mainstream mobility segment.

Hydrogen has a wide variety of applications across industries, including welding, reducing metallic ores and filling balloons. It is also used in the production of hydrochloric acid, ammonia and silicon chips (as a flushing gas). NASA utilises hydrogen as rocket fuel to transport astronauts to space.

IndianOil’s Compact Reformer at Rajghat Bus Depot, New Delhi.

Spotlight

By Ankur Gupta, Manager, (Engg. & Projects), Marketing Division HO

Towards Energy Sufficiency

While global forecasts for fuel demand have shown a negative outlook, the spotlight is on India, where

fuel demand is expected to increase. With an eye on future demand, IndianOil remains committed to its capital expenditure targets with no plans of cutting down its budgets. India is expected to emerge as a bright spot for global energy demand growth. To ensure a steady bridging in the supply-demand gap of fossil fuels as per energy consumption forecasts of our country, IndianOil is leading

Tap-Off Point on Paradip-Hyderabad Pipeline at Vijayawada

Project type: Brownfield

Storage capacity to be added: 96,000 KL

Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Products handled: MS, HSD

Cost: `316.2 crore

Areas/Districts to be served: Krishna, Guntur, Part of Prakasam

District, West Godavari

Estimated completion: October 2021

Average manpower at site: 190

Product Receipt Through: Pipeline

efforts to build adequate infrastructure across the country. The Engineering & Projects group under Marketing Division is executing projects worth over `5,000 crore towards this endeavour to build assets that will give us a strategic and operational advantage.

Through thick and thin, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the team has taken all efforts to maintain continuity of project activities across India. Catch a quick snapshot…

Spotlight

Additional Facilities at Manmad: Koyali-Ahmednagar/Solapur Pipeline

Additional Facilities at Solapur: Koyali-Ahmednagar/Solapur Pipeline




Storage capacity to be added: 1,08,000 KL

Location: Manmad, Maharashtra

Location: Solapur, Maharashtra


Products handled: MS, HSD,

SKO

Cost: `221 crore

Cost: `361 crore

Areas/Districts to be served: Nashik, Dhule and other

nearby districts

Areas/Districts to be served: Miraj, Pune, Hyderabad, Karnataka

Estimated completion: April 2021

Estimated completion: October 2021





Spotlight

Additional Facilities at Ahmednagar: Koyali-Ahmednagar/Solapur Pipeline

Raze and Rebuild of Vizag Terminal for handling coastal receipt and developing a pipeline station on Paradip-Hyderabad Pipeline



Storage capacity to be added: 1,17,000 K


Location: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

Location: Vizag, Andhra Pradesh


ATF

Products handled: Majorly

Black Oils

Cost: `273 crore

Cost: `355 crore

Areas/Districts to be served: Ahmednagar, Pune, Aurangabad

Areas/Districts to be served: Industrial supplies to Visakhapatnam,

Srikakulam, Vizianagaram

Estimated completion: April 2021

Estimated completion: February 2023





Railhead Depot at Cachar Valley, Moinarbond, Silchar

Construction of Grassroots Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants Depot at Guntakal

Project type: Greenfield




Location: Silchar, Assam

Location: Guntakal, Andhra Pradesh


SKO, ATF


Cost: `502 crore

Cost: `384.58 crore

Areas/Districts to be served: Southern Assam, Mizoram

Areas/Districts to be served: Anantapur

Estimated completion: June 2021

Estimated completion: March 2021



Product Receipt Through: Rail


Spotlight

Revamping of facilities at Baitalpur Tap-Off Point on Patna-Motihari-Baitalpur Pipeline

Bitumen Tank Truck loading Terminal at Barauni





Location: Baitalpur, Uttar Pradesh

Location: Barauni, Bihar


SKO

Products handled: Bitumen

Cost: `318.8 crore

Cost: `67.31 crore

Areas/Districts to be served: Baitalpur Deoria, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Kushinagar,

Azamgarh, Siddarthnagar, Basti

Areas/Districts to be served: Bihar and Jharkhand

Estimated completion: November 2021





Product Receipt Through: Refinery

Additional Tankages and 2nd spur Tank Wagon loading gantry at Ratlam

Tap-Off Point on Chennai-Trichy-Madurai Pipeline at Asanur





Location: Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh

Location: Asanur, Tamil Nadu



Cost: `293 crore

Cost: `466.43 crore

Areas/Districts to be served: Depots based at Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh/

Rajasthan/Gujarat and part of Maharashtra

Areas/Districts to be served: Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Cuddalore,

Chengalpet, Tiruvannamalai and Puducherry

Estimated completion: September 2021

Estimated completion: August 2021





Spotlight

Construction of Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants Terminal at Motihari

Tap-Off Point on Paradip-Hyderabad Pipeline at Atchutapuram





Location: Motihari, Bihar

Location: Atchutapuram, Andhra Pradesh


PCK


Cost: `522 crore

Cost: `466 crore

Areas/Districts to be served: East Champaran , West Champaran,

Muzaffarpur , Gopalganj, Sheohar, Siwan

Areas/Districts to be served: Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam,

Vizianagaram

Estimated completion: September 2021

Estimated completion: July 2021





Malkapur (Hyderabad) Terminal

Modern Lube Blending Plant and Base Oil handling facilities at Lube Complex, Trombay





Location: Hyderabad, Telangana

Location: Trombay, Maharashtra


SKO, ATF

Products handled: Lubricants

Cost: `611 crore

Cost: `136.84 crore

Areas/Districts to be served: Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Ranga Raddy, Yadadri

Bhuvangiri, Nalgonda, Sangareddy, Medak, Suryapet

Areas/Districts to be served: Entire Western India

Estimated completion: August 2023





Product Receipt Through: Road/Tankers

Spotlight


In the 60 acres of land acquired for the Atchuthapuram petroleum products storage terminal, there were

~1,200 trees spread all over the site spanning eight different species—coconut, palm, cashew, mango, wild date, neem, blueberry and tamarind. Understanding the impact of deforestation on environment and climate change, the Engineering & Projects team at Mktg. HO came up with the idea to transplant the trees in the green belt area to ensure ecological balance.

Tree transplantation started at the Atchutapuram

Reflecting on the initiative, Sanjeev Jain, ED (Engg. & Proj.), Mktg. Div. HO, said, “The entire process of transplantation was curated and overseen by Mr. Ashok Mathireddy, CEO, Infinite Green Solutions (IGS), who is one of four certified arborists in India. Post care is an essential

procedure after transplantation, lasting six to nine months. During this period, we took care of the timely irrigation, nutrition management and pest disease management. After this, the survivability of the transplanted trees was ascertained.”

STEP 1: Tree IdentificationThe trees were examined to verify if they were

ready to undergo the stress of transplantation. The

trees had no fruits or additional growth of foliage,

assuring us that the tree was not active and could

be successfully transplanted.

STEP 2: Pre-digging/trenchingBased on the varied growth index of each tree, we

determined the root ball diameter that led us to our

next step, pre-digging or trenching. The major roots that

had penetrated deep into the ground over the years

were cut to make way for the growth of new roots.

STEP 3: Manual Root PruningAfter the deeper roots were cut, the shorter

ones were pruned to ensure that no damage

was caused to the root system of a tree

through Manual Root Pruning.

STEP 4: Chemical treatment of a Root BallWhile the root ball was being prepared, the receiving

pit was dug, watered and given a chemical treatment

to repel pests. After the root ball was ready, hormones

and root promoters were sprayed to enable the tree to

withstand the shock of transplantation and to enhance

the growth of baby roots.

STEP 5: Foliage Pruning Branches of the tree were cut from below the

horizontal line to protect them against stress factors

like wind during the transplantation as part of the

Foliage Pruning process.

STEP 6: Uplifting a TreeWhen the tree was ready to be lifted and placed in

the receiving pit, a rubber mat was tied to the trunk

to prevent damage and a hessian cloth was wrapped

around the root ball to shield against UV rays.

Turning a New Leaf: Transplanting Trees at Atchuthapuram

site in November 2018. So far, over 520 trees have been transplanted with a survival rate of 85-90%. Here’s how the team went about it.

Click to play video

Watch a video about IndianOil’s innovative approach to tree transplantation.

http://youtu.be/kYxVqfX0TAg


V idushi, a program conceived by IndianOil in association with Centre for Social

Responsibility and Leadership (CSRL), has been coaching and mentoring girls from financially weaker sections gain admission into prestigious engineering institutes such as IITs, NITs, CETs, IIITs, etc.

This year, 79 girls, who were given education and training under this program across four centres, qualified for JEE Mains and 36 have cleared IIT Advanced.

IndianOil Vidushi has been transforming the lives of many a girl student year-on-year, since its launch in 2018. It supports free residential coaching to 120 girls in Patna, Jaipur, Bhubaneshwar and Noida.

A maximum of 30 girls are selected for each centre through a written test and personal interview, on merit-cum-means basis. IndianOil bears the entire cost for specialised coaching including study material, boarding, food and other consumables, blankets, hygiene kit, dress set, health insurance, etc.

Scholarship is also provided to the students selected for IITs/NITs/Govt. Engg. Colleges for their graduation in Engg. for four years.

IndianOil’s Vidushi shines through, even in the ongoing pandemic

situation.

The Light of Education

Generous support from IndianOil and the brilliance and hard work of these girls has ensured that their career path is set on an upward trajectory, and IndianOil has committed itself to this program for years to come.

Spotlight

Spotlight


Standing in his paddy field, Manivannan of Melperadikuppam

village is looking forward to at least 20 more bags of paddy in the forthcoming harvest despite water scarcity during the summer months. There was a noticeable increase in grain yield as well as plant size compared to conventional cropping after he adopted the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method for his three-acre farm.

Kesavan of Kollar village has cultivated his entire one-acre land using the Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation (AWDI) method, unlike previous years wherein only 30 cents of land was used for cultivation due to water scarcity.

These two marginal farmers from Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district are part of a group of about 180 farmers who have used new methods of paddy cultivation to reduce water consumption and increase their yield. Since December 2018, Southern Region Pipelines, Chennai,

as part of IndianOil’s CSR initiative, introduced water-saving methods like SRI, AWDI and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) in alliance with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. About 270 hectares of farmland in Villupuram have now come under this new method of paddy cultivation.

The SRI approach involves cultivating paddy with as much organic manure as possible,

A heap of paddy.

Making Every Drop CountIndianOil is guiding farmers in Tamil Nadu to adopt scientific cultivation methods to reduce water usage and boost crop yields.

By Balakrishna Naik, GM (CC & CSR), Southern Region Pipelines

SRPL introduced water-saving cultivation methods to farmers in December 2018.

SRI cultivates paddy with organic manure, single seedlings in a square pattern and intermittent irrigation.

Rice fields are dried intermittently under the AWDI system.

DSR uses a drum to directly sow paddy seeds, maintaining equal space.

Resulted in 20% increase in yields, 30% water saving and 25% increase in net income of farmers.


A farmer employing the AWDI method.

IOCians interacting with farmers.

planting single seedlings at a wide spacing in a square pattern, and with intermittent irrigation to keep the soil moist but not inundated, leading to higher grain yield.

Under the AWDI system, rice fields dry intermittently during its growth stages. This method can increase efficient water use at the field by reducing seepage and percolation during the production period. A small tube was installed to monitor safe irrigation methods, eliminate overflooding, avoid over drying of soil and determine the flow of water to the field.

Under the DSR method, instead of transplanting the seedlings, a drum is used to directly sow the paddy seeds, maintaining equal space.

The CSR intervention was carried out with an objective to reduce water usage for paddy cultivation in parts of Tamil Nadu, which is one of the largest rice producing states, with Villupuram among the highest rice producing districts. The area comes along IndianOil’s Ennore-Thiruvallur-Bengaluru-Puducherry-Nagapattinam-Madurai-Tuticorin natural gas pipeline route, covering about 50 villages. Within a couple of years, there was an increase in paddy yields by up to 20%, water saving by up to 30% and increase in the net income of farmers by up to 25%.

Mr. DS Nanaware, Executive Director (SRPL), saw a tremendous improvement in the livelihood of the farmers, stating that in water-scarce Tamil Nadu, the grassroots-level implementation of water saving technologies to cultivate water-intensive paddy crops has proved successful in reducing water usage and in improving rice

productivity, thereby improving the lives of small and marginal farmers in distress.

The key challenge under this CSR project was to bring in behavioural and habitual change among the farmers on their conventional way of cultivation. As the farmers have been continuing their farming activities for generations, adoption was slow and required a great deal of persuasion, observed Mr. P Rama Kishore, DGM (CSR).

Tamil Nadu is facing a severe water crisis for paddy cultivation. 75% of Villupuram’s population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities for their livelihood. A majority of them are marginal farmers. Awareness programmes were conducted through Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to make these farmers understand the farmer-centric approaches of water saving and increasing yield in paddy cultivation. Over the years, more farmers were exposed to the advantages gained by the users of these new practices, thus motivating them to adopt the techniques as well.

IndianOil Bags Trophy at 10th ICC PSEs Excellence AwardsIndianOil was awarded the runner-up trophy under the Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability category at the 10th PSE Excellence Awards for its promotion of water conservation techniques in paddy crops across 50 villages of Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu, at a cost of `54 lakh. The ceremony was held on October 12 during the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s PSE Conclave, with Mr. Sugam Prasad, ED (ER & CSR), CO, receiving the trophy on behalf of Team IndianOil.

Spotlight


By S Radhika, Manager (CC), SRO

“Selfless service alone gives the needed strength and courage to awaken the sleeping humanity in one’s

heart.”- Sai Baba

In these pandemic times, when the government and healthcare systems are struggling to save

patients who are COVID positive, a single kind act has given rays of hope to many patients. Joining other good samaritans, IOCians who fought the virus are now donating potentially life-saving plasma, thereby helping others who are down with the same condition.

Mr. T Ram Kumar, Dy. General Manager (T); Mr. S Sameer, Assistant Manager (T); and Mr. P Sagar, Assistant Manager (Ops-IM), of Korukkupet Terminal, along with Mr. P Srinivas, Jr. Opr. (F), of Tondiarpet Terminal, are the heroes who contributed to this noble cause with great goodwill.

Before stepping into the Plasma Blood Bank

at the Govt. Hospital, Chennai, the four had to convince their loved ones back home. It was a bold step and a difficult decision as the traumatic memories of COVID-19 and quarantine were still fresh in the minds of their families.

The story of Mr. Srinivas is a unique one. He tragically lost his father-in-law to COVID-19 and later tested positive alongside the rest of his family. His in-laws had travelled to Chennai on a visit from Vizag in March and were stuck in the city due to the nationwide lockdown. His 64-year-old father-in-law succumbed to the virus in spite of their best efforts to save him, spending nearly `7 lakh in the process. Life suddenly became uncertain, and Mr. Srinivas felt guilty as he couldn’t save his father-in-law. His family was worried, but thankfully, the remaining four family members recovered.

Donating plasma made him feel relieved and immensely proud that he could contribute to the efforts of healthcare professionals, thanking all concerned for creating a wonderful opportunity to

Not All Heroes Wear CapesAfter conquering COVID-19, four IOCians in Chennai bravely volunteered blood plasma to help others battle the virus.


give back to society. “If this technology of administering convalescent plasma therapy was available in the initial stages, I could have saved my father-in-law,” said Mr. Srinivas with an aching smile.

For Mr. Ram Kumar, “It was a unanimous call for Team Korukkupet to donate plasma, as six of my team members were affected by COVID-19. Being able to donate plasma to save lives was a satisfying experience. More than a person, when we could do it on behalf of IndianOil, it gave us immense pride. We felt privileged to be part of this life-saving mission.”

Explaining the process they underwent for plasma donation, Mr. Ram Kumar said, “A medical camp was organised by Indian Red Cross Society at Korukkupet for sample collection from willing donors. These samples were then sent to Govt. Hospital for checking compatibility and fitness to donate plasma. The donors who cleared this screening were asked to go

to Rajiv Gandhi Govt. General Hospital (RGGGH), Chennai. Donating plasma was one of the best experiences of my life; all my perceptions about govt. hospitals changed after going there. RGGGH opened India’s second plasma bank after Delhi. They collect plasma with a machine which extracts plasma alone, with the blood getting recirculated back to the body.”

“Plasma is being used for treating COVID patients under mild to moderate category and we have saved many lives with the help of convalescent plasma therapy. Generally,

there is a misconception amongst the public that if you donate plasma, your immunity levels will drop. But that is not true. The blood plasma gets revived in 24 hours,” Theranai Rajan, Dean, Madras Medical College, said.

Till date, 15 volunteers have donated plasma as part of the TNSO Swachh Bharat initiative ‘Prevention is better than Cure – Donate Plasma, Save Lives’.

15 volunteers have donated plasma till date as part of the TNSO Swachh Bharat initiative.

Convalescent Plasma Therapy Uses blood from COVID-recovered patients to help others recover.

The blood cells are removed, leaving behind plasma, which contains antibodies.

The plasma is injected to an infected patient and the antibodies fight the virus.

More research on this treatment is underway. It has shown positive results so far.

Spotlight


A look at the unique elephant conservation CSR Project by Pipelines Division.Text and photographs by N Shiva Kumar, GM (CC), Pipelines HO

IndianOil’s Pipelines Division (SRPL) and Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, Chittoor have taken

up a unique elephant conservation project which involves satellite collaring of six elephants in Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. Nearby are IndianOil’s Ennore-Thiruvallur-Bangalore gas pipelines that run underground. The Chittoor office of Pipelines Division (SRPL) undertakes CSR for elephant conservation in the sanctuary, which has about 40 groups of elephants, presently, but they tend to migrate to and fro between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for food and water.

Due to this regular movement of the elephants, there is an increased man-animal conflict in the nearby villages, which was a result of expanding human habitat, narrow structure of the diminishing Sanctuary, and increased elephant movement from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka into Andhra Pradesh, as there is no continuous connection corridor between the two elephant habitats. It was observed that only certain dominant elephants generally

created problems.Understanding this problematic situation,

IndianOil signed a CSR Project MoU with the Forest Department, with their technical partner Wild Life Institute of India (WII), who will implement satellite collaring of six identified elephants and monitor their movement. The activities will involve procurement of radio collars with veterinary drugs; three Kumki elephants and their teams (experts elephant tamers and mahouts who can control wild elephants); qualified research teams and CSR monitor teams. This project, which will cost `50 lakh, will aid in early prevention measures that protect both the elephants and humans.

A special video/web conference was held on August 12 this year on World Elephant Day to understand the CSR project launched by SRPL (Pipelines Division) and sequence the event calendar for the finalisation of the radio collaring of the elephants. Thereafter, a series of meetings have been held to update and upscale the project before its final implementation by the end of 2020.

TriumphTheTrumpet of

An elephant wearing a satellite collar at Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.


An elephant enjoying a refreshing water bath.

The need of satellite collaring project to protect endangered elephants has been well understood across the globe, and this project in South Andhra is a pioneer attempt to use the latest innovations and technology to reduce human-elephant conflict in the region. Apart from this, it will also help collect various ecological and behavioural data on the species, which would help improve their habitat and ensure the future of these majestic beasts—a ‘win-win-win’ situation for the farmers, the elephants and IndianOil as well.

Wildlife Institute of India has been collaring and studying elephants for the past four decades across different elephant landscapes in the country and has built enough expertise in this regard.

Dr. Raman Sukumar, a well-known elephant expert and Honorary Professor at Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, says that the human-elephant has been on the rise, especially in the last three to four decades. “What has changed at the ground level is how this very complex relationship has changed. There has to be some line that we need to draw. The entire conflict depends on the push-pull factors. The push factors indicate that there is something transformative happening in the elephant’s natural habitat. Humans are taking over the land,

Spotlight


Watch this 2004 IndianOil ad featuring a train of elephants, symbolising how the brand scales the unachievable.

Click to play video

A 2003 XtraPremium ad featuring an elephant.

IndianOil’s Connect With the Jumbo

A group of migrating elephants.

eating into the forest. If one were to look at the forest today, there are changes happening. Then there are the pull factors, and we have to see what is happening outside the forests. Due to better irrigation facilities—canal water systems and pumping of ground water—farmers, instead of growing one crop a year, are now growing two-three crops a year. The elephant needs a lot to eat and it sees huge fields with an abundance of nutritious food, making an attractive source of food for them.“

An average Indian elephant spends up to 17 to 19 hours a day eating plenty of plants, fruits, leaves and grass and leaving up to 220 pounds of dung that is full of seeds. This disperses a variety of germinating seeds over a vast area, which helps grow new vegetation, thereby boosting the health of the forest ecosystem.

https://youtu.be/jJOzgfoU4qQ

Nature’s Bounty

The Pipelines Division recently conducted a photo contest for IOCians with the theme Active Nature. These beautiful photographs, shot by IOCians who actively

indulge in photography as a hobby, are a treat for the eyes. Go on indulge…

Bibhas Biswas, Gauridad (WRPL)

Family Bond

Gallery

IndianOil NEWS | August 2020 | 25

Aditya Prasad Mishra, Brahmapur (PHPL)

Amit Sharma, Barauni (BKPL)

Inflight Curlew Shorebird at Vadinar

Queen of Her Own Web Castle

Utkarsh Singh, Barauni (BKPL)

Red Ants Speak with Pheromones

Gallery

26 | IndianOil NEWS | August 2020

Arup Ratan Halder, Bongaigaon (GSPL)Crimson Backed Sun

Bird (Male)

Bhaskar Pakir, Jasidih (HMRBPL)

Ajay Prakash Singh, Jatni (PRRPL)

Feeding Time for Tailor Bird

Plain Tiger Butterfly

IndianOil NEWS | August 2020 | 27

Innerscape


In a first-of-its-kind service, IndianOil carried out Ship to Ship (STS) bunkering operation for the Indian

Navy at New Mangalore Port (NMPT) on September 29. IndianOil’s Mangalore Terminal supplied 2,400 KLs of MIL-DTL HFHSD to chartered vessel MT Harmony, which in turn supplied INS Aditya. This STS transfer was also a first for NMPT Port. Mr. DL Pramodh, ED & SH, KASO, lauded the maiden effort and said, “It was a great coordinated effort by Team Operations & IB, Mangalore, with extraordinary support from HO Supplies, Shipping and IB, ED MHSO & IB team of MDO for Western Naval Command. Support of Mangalore Port officials and Indian Navy was indeed exemplary, he added.

In a first, IndianOil Supplies Fuel to Navy Through STS Bunkering Operation

T he Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural

Gas (MoP&NG), Government of India, and IndianOil for FY 2020-21 was signed on October 9, 2020, at New Delhi. The MoU was signed by Mr. Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, P&NG, and Mr. SM Vaidya, Chairman, IndianOil.

MoU targets for the Corporation continue to be more challenging and tougher over the years. IndianOil has been continuously striving to achieve new heights

IndianOil inks MoU with MoP&NG for FY 2020-21

in terms of performance numbers, surpassing all previous achievements.

The MoU parameters and targets for the year 2020- 21 are very stringent. Financial parameters pertaining to revenue and profitability, and physical parameters like crude throughput, CNG/PNG, CAPEX and reduction in claims are extremely challenging. New parameters include procurement through GeM Portal, asset monetisation, dividend payout, CNG stations through DODO and financial closure of CBG plants, etc.


“Some dreams don’t die. People come and go. Great institutions go on to get immortalised.”

Temple of Learning: IiPM Turns 25!

IiPM has been, and continues to be, IndianOil’s apex learning institute, our own ‘Modern Day Gurukul’ that has,

over the last 25 years, groomed generations of leaders to occupy key positions in the organisation. It is indeed an institution that all IndianOil is proud of and leaves a lasting impact on anyone who trains here. With this glorious past, a befitting tribute was given to IiPM, clearly symbolising its critical role in providing impetus to learning, making it a legend in L&D circles, not only within IndianOil, but across the industry.

On October 5, 2020, IiPM celebrated its 25th Foundation Day, in the presence of Chairman and the Board of Directors. The inaugural function of IiPM@25 was executed in a hybrid manner both physically and virtually, conforming to COVID-19 protocols.

Mr. SM Vaidya, Chairman, praised IiPM and its unique learning culture, discussing how it has emerged as the preferred learning destination for every IOCian since it feels like a home away from home. He dwelt at length on the various pioneering initiatives of IiPM like the iMBA programme, TQM, Continuous learning, Aarohi, Intent to Implementation, Swadhyaya, as well as Industry-Academia partnerships like ICT Bhubaneswar and Vidushi as an educational CSR activity. Chairman hoped that IiPM will

continue to enhance the learning experience of IOCians through the Education Organization Management System (EOMS), and evolve a customised ‘Just for me’ learning for nurturing future thought leaders of IndianOil.

Mr. CK Tiwari, ED & Head IiPM, spoke about how leaders past and present have closely nurtured IiPM and groomed it into the fine institution that it is today.

Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohapatra, Director (HR), gave insights on the L&D scenario, and said that the time had come for IiPM to truly re-evolve, delineating the four pillars of future L&D—Mass Customisation, Continuous Learning, Digitalisation and Miniaturisation of learning. He also spoke at length about the road ahead towards ‘hyper-personalisation’ in L&D and how it would benefit one and all, taking IiPM to the next level.

During the function, Chairman released Smritiyan – The Journey so far, an e-flipbook conceived to commemorate the Silver Jubilee Celebrations at IiPM, and the IiPM Dashboard, which provides a one-stop snapshot about the training programmes including participant data; division, gender and category-wise details; knowledge partner data covering granular information on faculty ratings; external as well as internal faculty details; the top-performing faculty, etc.

Innerscape


Chairman Urges Retail Sales Team to Focus on Increasing Market ShareMr. SM Vaidya, Chairman, addressed the Retail Sales Team on

a virtual platform and reviewed the performance of the team in the presence of Mr. Gurmeet Singh, Director (Marketing); Mr. Vigyan Kumar, ED (RS); Mr. Sanjeev Jain, ED (E&PJ); Mr. Subimal Mondal, ED (Lubes); and Mr. Sunil Mathur, ED (LPG), MKHO. During the meeting, Mr. Vaidya pointed out the areas of concern, especially regarding the challenges faced by IndianOil to retain its market share and leadership in a competitive scenario. He urged the Team to examine the market dynamics and ensure that IndianOil’s retail business not only sustains the current market share but also continues to increase.

Discussing several critical parameters related to retail performance, Mr. Vaidya stressed on the importance of drawing a detailed roadmap on the expansion of IOC Clear Blue (Diesel Exhaust Fuel) in our pan-India Retail Outlet network. Highlighting the major investments made in automation of our business, Chairman urged the Retail Team to leverage the benefits of the automation data available to improve the facilities and services at the existing Retail Outlets. At the same time, he underscored the importance of chalking out a foolproof strategy to improve stock levels at the Retail Outlets and commissioning new ROs.

Team IndianOil Reaffirms Partnership With Interglobe Aviation (Indigo)With a view to enhancing customer relationship,

Mr. Sanjay Sahay, ED (Aviation), MKHO, had an interaction with Mr. Ronojoy Dutta, CEO of

Interglobe Aviation (Indigo Airlines), on October 9, 2020. While Mr. Sahay complimented Mr. Dutta for his thought leadership in steering Indigo amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Dutta conveyed his appreciation towards IndianOil’s services and expressed his desire to spread these services to all airports across the country to create corridors of connectivity. Mr. Sahay also assured Indigo of IndianOil’s unstinted support in scaling new heights and conveyed that both IndianOil and Indigo share a similar vision of customer service.


“In wake of amplified disruptions, energy transition and the COVID-19 pandemic, onus lies on us to build a future-fit IndianOil”: Chairman at CMC 2.0

Mr. SM Vaidya, Chairman, presided over his first Communication and Corporate Management

Committee (CMC) meeting, which was webcast live across the Corporation on October 16. Recast as CMC 2.0: A Prism of Opportunities, the event brought together IndianOil’s top leadership to ideate and collaborate winning strategies to avail emerging opportunities in a disruptive and dynamic scenario.

Chairman underscored that as an apex-level platform, CMC 2.0 ought to focus on the immediate goals coupled with a long-term Corporate Vision. He urged the team to delve deep into the contemporary as well as future challenges of strategic importance against the backdrop of a newly evolving Indian oil & gas sector, with the emergence of new players, alternative business models and technologies. Chairman reaffirmed that the new format would witness a vibrant participation from senior leaders of IndianOil and make the CMC more interesting, thought-provoking and intriguing.

Giving an overview of the tumultuous ecosystem, Chairman spoke on the key factors which are impacting the present energy dynamics largely due to the uncertainties in the global geo-political scenario, the COVID-19 pandemic, the changing demand landscape and digitalisation.

He underlined the importance of comprehending these changes and redefining business strategies

accordingly to retain our leadership in the industry. Chairman also urged one and all to remain alert to the global trends as far as the energy & oil sector is concerned, and went on to share key highlights on the core business front related to Refining, Pipelines and Marketing.

Discussing a spectrum of activities under Retail Sales, Aviation Fuelling and Lubricants business; Gas and Petrochemicals; Branding; R&D initiatives; Alternative & Renewable Energy, HR and CSR initiatives; MoU and Capex, Chairman urged all to leverage the enormous value of Brand IndianOil in our collective endeavour to co-create and co-innovate a future-fit business.

Innerscape


Going Green: PRPC Plants Over 2 Lakh SaplingsPanipat Refinery & Petrochemical Complex (PRPC),

under the banner of Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER), and in association with the Forest & Wildlife Department, Government of Haryana, planted over two lakh saplings in a dedicated space of 500 acres at Gwalra village, Panipat. This green initiative was inaugurated on October 17 by Mr. Kanwar Pal, Minister of Haryana for Education, Forest and Tourism, and Mr. GC Sikder, ED & Refinery Head, PRPC.

Mr. Pal appreciated IndianOil’s environment conversation efforts and said, “IndianOil has contributed immensely for the development of Haryana and we are thankful to the management of IndianOil. This initiative by Panipat Refinery has inspired us and we must replicate such initiatives in other villages too.”

Mr. Sikder said, “PRPC Complex has already planted more than six lakh trees in the surrounding villages to keep the environment of Panipat and its surrounding villages healthy, and this green project will continue in future too. PRPC under its Corporate Social Responsibility has been working effectively in its thrust

areas of healthcare, cleanliness, education, sanitation, women empowerment, environmental sustainability, skill development for livelihood enhancement, etc., for uplifting the standard of life of its stakeholders.”

“IndianOil PRPC continues to commit a generous budget towards its CSR and CER activities for the inclusive growth and development of Panipat. A contribution of `78,379 crores has been submitted as tax to the exchequer of Government in the last three years,” added Mr. Sikder.

The construction team of Southern Region Pipelines (SRPL) has become a trailblazer with

yet another breakthrough milestone, recording the highest single-day lowering of 50.534 km in the Ennore-Thiruvallur-Bengaluru-Puducherry-Nagapattinam-Madurai R-LNG Pipeline (ETBPNMTPL) and Cauvery Basin Refinery Pipeline project on October 17, 2020. Mr. DS Nanaware, ED, SRPL, and Mr. G. Yohan Kumar, GM (Construction), congratulated the team for their utmost efforts. Despite the rains, the team did whatever it took to achieve this magic figure of 50 km, which was once a distant dream. With this, a total of 438.551 km of pipeline has been lowered in the ETBPNMTPL project. The 1,445-km long pipeline is being built to transport natural gas from IndianOil Ennore LNG Terminal to demand

SRPL Achieves Highest Lowering Milestone in ETBPNMTPL Project

centres in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Puducherry.


Tata Group’s Harish Bhat Shares Inspiring Brand Tata Stories at 8th Vyakhyan IndianOil LeadTalk

Mr. Harish Bhat, Brand Custodian - Tata Group, delivered the 8th edition of the Vyakhyan

IndianOil LeadTalk lecture series on ‘Inspiring Stories About Building Brands’. Mr. GK Satish, Director (P&BD); Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D); Mr. RK Mohapatra, Director (HR); and Mr. SK Gupta, Director, (Finance), were present. Close to a thousand IOCians connected through a virtual platform to listen to Mr. Bhat.

Welcoming Mr. Bhat to the Vyakhan LeadTalk platform, Director (HR) reflected on the recent disruptions and highlighted how Brand IndianOil has leaned on its learning culture to sustain itself. Mr. Mohapatra also emphasised on the importance of LeadTalks as a learning platform where IOCians get exposed to ideas and practices from thought leaders across varied backgrounds. He also shared how the spirit of Pehle Indian, Phir Oil has been instrumental in building resilience into Brand IndianOil.

Mr. Bhat, an authority in the area of Brand Management and an accomplished writer, gripped the audience with his inimitable storytelling. He narrated several anecdotes to share how the Tata Group’s branding philosophy has evolved. While acknowledging that the quality of product and services is a critical factor that determines the strength of a brand, Mr. Bhat underlined the importance of a brand’s commitment towards society and the nation. Mr. Bhat went on to share a riveting account of Brand Tata’s growth over 150 years through several stories that reflect the courage of leadership and vision for national welfare.

Mr. Bhat highlighted that the nationalistic sentiments

and pioneering spirit of Jamshedji Tata led to the founding of Tata Steel despite the skepticism of the British Government. Tata Steel’s prowess fuelled India’s economic rise and ushered in the spirit of self-reliance. He also shared how Jamshedji conceived western India’s first luxury hotel, the Taj Mahal Hotel, against the backdrop of bubonic plague in Bombay. The Taj Mahal Hotel demonstrated the resilience of India and Bombay that can overcome any challenge. Mr. Bhat also shared how the Tatas have gone beyond the realms of business excellence towards setting up of India’s first Science University (Indian Institute of Science) and fuelled India’s journey to the Olympics. Reminiscing about the maverick genius of JRD Tata, Mr. Bhat recounted how the Tatas gave India its first Airline, first Information Technology company and first Economic Development plan (The Bombay Plan).

Speaking about the contemporary business of the Tata Group, Mr. Bhat elaborated on how the Group continues to balance business excellence with the spirit to serve the nation. He emphasised on this point through the examples of the first indigenously designed Indian car (Indica), the first iodised salt of India (Tata Salt) and the first large cancer hospital in eastern India (Tata Cancer Hospital, Kolkata).

Summarising the branding philosophy of the Tata Group, Mr. Bhat explained that the Group’s business priorities are determined by the spirit to do the right things for the nation. In his candid style, Mr. Bhat explained, “Niyat thik toh sab thik. Nation first is our philosophy.”


All in the Family

How did you meet each other?S Kishore: We met sometime in 1993 at IndianOil. I had joined in November 1988 and Pradnya joined four years later in September 1992. I had completed my Diploma in Civil Engineering and Pradnya is a Commerce graduate. We were good friends from the word go—playing Badminton with our colleagues and participating in our Inter Region Sports Meets, for which we often used to travel together. One thing led to another, Cupid struck and our friendship developed into something more constructive. I was quite clear that I wanted her as my life partner, but she took her time, quite rightly! Finally, after a couple of years of courtship, we got married on April 18, 1996 (looks at Pradnya and laughingly says, see, I remember our marriage date). Presently, we are in the Engineering Department at Head Office.

What is a typical work day like for each of you at IndianOil?Kishore: As both of us are at Head Office and stay at Parel, we normally leave home at half past eight in the morning. And a typical day is, you know, once we reach office, we both have our different functions. So we are busy with that. All the same, we make it a point to have lunch together every day.

Back in the day, we shared the same cubicle. People found it strange how two people could be with each other for so many hours and not get bored. But, may be, being good friends helped. We always help each other out in matters where we have expertise.Pradnya: I am Secretary to CGM (Projects) in Engineering Department. Both of us are quite busy most of the time, but we do find time to catch up in between work.

Do you have children? What are the challenges of taking care of them while working in the same organisation?Kishore: We have a son, Pratik, who’s now 22 years old. There were the usual challenges initially of raising a kid while working. Fortunately, for us, my parents were around

S Kishore, Supervisor (Works), and Pradnya, PS to CGM (Projects), Mktg. Div. HO, reflect on the role IndianOil has played in their decades-long relationship.

to take care of him. Later on, when he was away for a couple of years to pursue his interest in Badminton, he learnt to live independently very soon in life. So there weren’t many issues, I would say.Pradnya: We had complete family support. So we could manage everything without any hassle.

Any drawbacks, working in the same office?Kishore: I don’t think there have been any drawbacks. On the contrary, it has been advantageous for us as we can travel together, we know of each other’s assignments and schedule, know if the other is working late and accordingly adjust our plans.

Apart from our jobs, IndianOil has also helped us nurture our individual passions. I also happen to be an accreditated international sports commentator; I do commentary of Cricket, Badminton, Tennis, Table Tennis and many other games. I have covered lots of Test matches, ODIs and T20s including Cricket World Cups, and multidisciplinary sports events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and the Commonwealth Games (2010 in Delhi, 2014 in Glasgow and 2018 in Gold Coast). IndianOil has been most supportive in all these endeavours of mine. IndianOil holds an annual Sports Conclave for its elite sportspersons in the presence of our Chairman, which I have the honour of moderating.

Pradnya performs every year in cultural programs held at our Head Office on IndianOil Day. She is a part of Yuvak Biradari, a cultural wing of the Government of Maharashtra. She performs in a 90 minute ballet known as “Punya Tirtha Bharat”, which depicts the evolution of India as a civilisation—Indus Valley, the times of various Indian kings, Mughal invasions, the Indian Freedom Struggle and so on. Her dance performance was also part of the popular Doordarshan series “Discovery of India”.

A Bond for the Ages


Both of you are passionate about very contrasting things. How do you find balance?Pradnya: Opposite values complement each other, don’t they?

How supportive has IndianOil been in helping you maintain work-life balance?Kishore: IndianOil has been extremely supportive. We all know about certain organisations having a rule against employing married couples; at least one of them have to quit. There is no such restriction at IndianOil.Pradnya is extremely efficient at time management. So, even that isn’t a concern.

Most importantly, IndianOil has always been very supportive, for e.g., when both of us had to take leave together for some emergency, or, say, when we planned to go on a vacation.Pradnya: Even during these days of lockdown, the company is considerate enough to let us come to work on the same day, as it is convenient for us to travel. Such small gestures go a long way in ensuring the comfort of employees. We are also fortunate that both of us have superiors who have been extremely supportive.

What is your mantra to restrict domestic issues to the house and not infiltrate each other’s space? Pradnya: From the beginning itself, we have been good friends; so we didn’t have much of a difference in opinion on most matters. I don’t even remember the last time that we had a serious quarrel.Kishore: Even if there were minor issues, we ensured that they didn’t impede our work.

One quality (of the other) related to work and ethics that you admire the most? Kishore: I admire many qualities of Pradnya but the one that stands out is that she accepts any kind and amount of work without a fuss. She is superb at time management and delivery of work. She’s also very sincere, dedicated and all her superiors have been extremely happy with her work. She’s also very health conscious. The moment it is around lunchtime, she’ll go to play table tennis in our office club, then have lunch, and come back to her desk on time.Pradnya: Kishore is a perfectionist (laughingly says, sometimes irritably so). He likes everything to be neat and tidy. He is also very fond and supportive of my extra-curricular activities.

How has working in the same office led to greater mutual respect between the two of you? Kishore: When you are working together, you know of each other’s problems—you know why your spouse sometimes gets delayed at work, why he/she is stressed, what kind of work he/she has to handle. Seeing the amount of work that she takes on, I’ve often told Pradnya to take it easy. But at the same time, she’s extremely efficient and can multitask. I am not too good at that.Pradnya: Actually, I do meditation, which helps me multitask, keep calm with a smile in difficult situations.

And how do you bond outside of work? Kishore: We get an occasion to bond our varying interest together during IndianOil Day celebration at Head Office. Generally, I anchor the show in which she is a key member of our dance troupe. So that’s one platform where I get an opportunity to see her perform while also being involved in the programme. Her involvement in such cultural activities through her dance performances was one of the things that initially attracted me to her. She has also been kind enough to listen to so many of my live commentaries and also record a few. We also love travelling and make it a point to plan an outing every year.

Any parting comments? Kishore: When I was in college, doing engineering, I often used to gaze at the IndianOil Marketing Division HO building in awe and used to wonder what it would be like to work for an organisation like this. As luck would have it, four years down the line, I started working here. So, in a way, I felt connected to the organisation even before I was a part of it. IndianOil did not just give me a job, it made my dream come true and also gave me my life partner and for this alone, I shall eternally remain grateful to IndianOil.


Accolades

It is a proud moment for the entire IndianOil

family as the Corporation gets ranked 452nd in Forbes’ The World’s Best Employers 2020 List. The list, which boasts names of global giants is a joint initiative of Forbes and market research firm Statista.

Over 160,000 full-time and part-time employees from 58 countries were surveyed anonymously. Parameters such as willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family; evaluating other employers in their respective industries, rating the companies on aspects such as image, economic footprint, talent development, gender equality and social responsibility; and so on were assessed.

IndianOil secured a rank among the 750 finalists that received the highest total.

IndianOil’s INDMAX Fluid Catalytic Cracking Technology has won the HP 2020 award for Best

Refining Technology. The INDMAX FCC Technology provides unmatched reliability, flexibility and performance in converting oil distillates to higher value propylene and other petrochemicals.

INDMAX FCC is a proven process to produce propylene, ethylene and butylenes in refineries directly from heavy residues. Developed by IndianOil R&D, in partnership with Lummus Technology, INDMAX FCC is a unique solution for the vertical integration of refinery and petrochemical

IndianOil wins HP 2020 award for Best Refining Technology

IndianOil Recognised as the Best of Indigenous Ingenuity by ET Best Brands

IndianOil Ranked Among the World’s Best Employers in Forbes List

complexes. This technology can be adopted in any grassroots refinery and petrochemical complex or revamp of an existing FCC/RFCC unit with minor hardware modifications, along with INDMAX catalyst to enhance light olefin generation from low value heavy feedstocks.

Economic Times Best Brands, 2020 has recognised IndianOil as the best of indigenous ingenuity.

This is a huge accomplishment for Brand IndianOil as Economic Times Best Brands Initiative is one of the most sought-after listings of leading brands across specific business sectors over the years.

Media Bytes


Plans are underway to set up a 60 million tonnes refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Maharashtra, reports Oil & Gas 360.

Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Saudi Aramco) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co

(Adnoc) are still committed to investing in the planned $44 billion west coast refinery-cum-petrochemical project, Mr. SM Vaidya, the Chairman of the project’s lead Indian partner said on October 15. Saudi Aramco’s talks to buy a 20% stake in Reliance Industries Ltd’s oil-to-chemical business for $15 billion, coupled with a crash in oil prices, slowing down of fuel demand and land issues facing the west coast project had led to speculations of waning interest of the world’s largest oil exporter in the project.

“Both Adnoc and Saudi Aramco

are still committed to the investments in the project,” said Mr. Vaidya at the Energy Intelligence Forum 2020.

State-owned IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL), together with Saudi Aramco and Adnoc, plan to set up a 60 million tonnes refinery-cum-petrochemical complex on the Maharashtra coast.

“We are certain and confident that the country needs this refinery to come up because of the growth the country is going to see in fuel demand in the future,” Vaidya added.

Aramco and Adnoc are to hold

50% in the project, while IndianOil has a 25% stake. The remaining 25% is split equally between BPCL and HPCL.

Vaidya said India witnessed unprecedented demand destruction after a nationwide lockdown was imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Oil demand fell by as much as 49% in April, but with the reopening of the economy the demand is coming up, he said.

“September showed recovery faster than expected,” he said, adding while petrol demand was back to pre-COVID levels, diesel was 4% less than normal.

Saudi Aramco, Adnoc Committed to $44 bn West Coast Refinery Project: IndianOil Chairman

Sonia Sahijwani Saini, Assistant Manager, Law, PSO, has published

her debut novel, Yours Legally. The book is a fictional take on the legal profession, and has garnered acclaim across social media and literary events including Kolkata Book Fair, Pune Book Fair, Delhi World Book Fair. Sonia was bestowed with the Literoma 75 Rising Stars Award by Kolkata Book Fair and Literoma, as well as the Nari Samman Award 2020-Women of Substance by Literoma.

Yours Legally is the story of a young girl named Sia who goes against her parent’s wishes to graduate in law. Written in the form of 6 short stories

and inspired by true events, Sonia, through Sia, narrates a few memorable incidents—including some eccentric courtroom drama—all of which left a deep impact in her life. Each story revolves around one of the six elements of law which Sonia feels are critical to this profession—the complainant, case, court, counsel, confinement and criminal.

Besides Yours Legally, Sonia has published Baby on Board - An Ordinary Couple’s Extraordinary Pregnancy Journey, a non-fiction book about overcoming Tokophobia (a fear of childbirth) and challenging common

myths about pregnancy. Based on her own pregnancy, she has have striven to inspire women who are either undergoing the phase of motherhood or are planning to become a mother but have several fears and misconceptions.

Laying Down the Law

Click here to buy the books

http://www.amazon.in/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3ASONIA+SAHIJWANI&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1

38 | IndianOil NEWS | September 2019

Here’s a chance to win attractive prizes! This quiz will reveal if you have read this issue cover-to-cover.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE?• Pleaseclickaboveorvisithttps://bit.ly/ION-Quiz-10-20 to submit

your answers• Lastdatetosendinyourentries–November15,2020

1 IndianOil’sPipelinesDivision(SRPL)andAndhraPradesh Forest Department, Chittoor, have taken up an elephant conservation project in which sanctuary?

6 IndianOil, in collaboration with Delhi Transport Corporation, and which other organisation launched India’s first H-CNG station?

3 The HP 2020 award for Best Refining Technology was awarded to which IndianOil technology?

8 How many saplings did PRPC plant in Panipat on October 17?

5 Which water-saving cultivation method uses a drum to sow seeds?

10 Which rank does IndianOil hold in Forbes’ The World Best Employers 2020 list?

2 Which IndianOil programme is helping girls from financially weaker sections gain admission into prestigious engineering institutes such as IITs and NITs?

7 IiPM celebrated its ______ Foundation Day on October 5, 2020.

4 How many trees has Atchuthapuram terminal transplanted since November 2018?

9 How many km of pipeline didSRPLlowertorecordthehighest single-day lowering of a pipeline?

Winners will be selected through a Lucky Draw, and 10 lucky winners will receive

FUEL VOUCHERS worth R500 each.

Click here to submit your answershttps://bit.ly/ION-Quiz-10-20

Ojasvi Prasad (512837)Sr. Officer (A&W)Mathura Refinery

Sudhanshu Kumar (66260)General Manager (Maint.)Paradip Refinery

Anurag Shukla (30494)Chief Manager (CC)Corporate Office Dhiraj Kumar (500288)Maintenance Manager (Elect.)Mathura Refinery

Sushma Surabhi Aind (512860)Sr. Officer (ER)Barauni Refinery

Sanjeev Ananthula (515098)LabOfficerMadurai TOP

Madan Uttam (77776)Senior Production ManagerMathura Refinery

Purimitla Harsha Vardhan (509435)Assistant Manager (O&M)Madarihat Pump Station

Shubham Modi (511185)Sr. Officer (IS)Digboi Refinery

Tarang Mathur (83804)Assistant Manager (Production)Gujarat Refinery

September 2020 Winners

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revving up the hydrogen movement · 2020. 10. 28. · taking the hydrogen leap 4 | indianoil news |...

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