Saksham 2021 concludes with Valedictory function in Mumbai

by Suman Gupta

Mumbai, February, 2021:  SAKSHAM is a significant annual event organized jointly by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) and Oil Industry under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt. of India and guidelines of PCRA with sole purpose of bringing awareness among the people on need of Oil & Gas conservation and means to do it.

The ultimate goal of the program is to curb wasteful expenditure on fossil fuel, reduce the growing burden on foreign exchequer and protect the environment from the adverse effect of Green House Gases emanating from burning of fossil fuels. Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) has been in the forefront to create mass awareness towards conservation of petroleum products, promoting fuel-efficient equipment and helping the government in proposing policies and strategies for petroleum conservation.

The valedictory function of Saksham-2021 was conducted in Maharashtra at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Mumbai and the function was graced by the chief guest on this occasion, Shri Kailash Pagare, Controller of Rationing & Director of Civil Supplies, Government of Maharashtra. Shri Devendra Joshi, Arjuna Awardee and Shri Soumen Ganguly, Ex-National Table Tennis Player were the Guest of Honors for the function.

Saksham 2021 was inaugurated in Maharashtra state by Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyariji, Honorable Governor of Maharashtra on 16 January, 2021. During the last one month, the Oil & Gas industry collectively conducted a slew of mass awareness campaigns, around 21 different types corresponding to 1900 number of activities in Maharashtra like debate competition for school children, group talk and wall painting for college students, interactive sessions for engineering students, etc.  Public awareness was created by the fuel efficient driving competition for car owners, heavy vehicles and also for the Fuel efficient CNG Autorikshaws.

To implement easy and practical conservation tips for women and domestic sectors group, discussions were held. Quiz competition was organized for club, society, NGO’s etc. To promote oil conservation through Article writing competition in newspapers, press conference, publishing conservation message of Hon’ble Governor and Chief Minister in newspaper and Public awareness films, TV spots, radio jingles.

Senior officials of the oil industry, petrol pump dealers, LPG distributors, press media, school children, teachers etc. were present during the program. During the program school/college students, wall Painting competition, debate competitions and newspaper representatives were honored for their outstanding performance.  As part of the Valedictory function, the skit on fuel conservations were played by professionals from Kalyan and Kandivali.