Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh | Retirement Ceremony at SECL Headquarters In a heartfelt ceremony held at the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) Headquarters in Bilaspur, 13 employees retiring on May 31, 2026, were accorded a warm and respectful farewell by the company’s top management. The retirees were honored with shawls, coconuts, flower garlands, and settlement payment cheques during a special function organized at the headquarters.
From our perspective as American observers covering developments in India’s public sector enterprises, the event reflected a strong culture of employee recognition, institutional respect, and workplace camaraderie that remains a defining feature of many Indian public-sector organizations.
Senior Management Leads the Tribute
The farewell function was organized in the Conference Hall of the Administrative Building at SECL Headquarters on May 30, 2026. The ceremony was attended by senior executives, departmental heads, labor union representatives, officers, and employees.
The event was presided over by Director (Technical/Operations) N. Franklin Jayakumar as the chief guest. He was joined by Director (Finance) Darla Sunil Kumar and Director (Technical/Planning & Projects) Ramesh Chandra Mahapatra, who collectively paid tribute to the retiring employees for their years of dedicated service.
Employees Honored on Retirement
The following employees were formally honored during the ceremony:
- Saktivel, General Manager (E&T), E&T Department
- A.K. Patnaik, General Manager (Civil), Siding Department
- R.K. Bharat, Senior Manager (Survey), MCR Department
- Ajay Dutta Choudhary, Senior Technical Inspector Grade A-1, Quality Department
- Vinita Masih, Matron Grade A-1, Indira Vihar Dispensary
- Prakash Kumar Dwivedi, Security Sub-Inspector, Security Department
- Sunil Nair, Assistant Supervisor, Director (Finance) Secretariat
- Narayan Acharyaji, Assistant Supervisor Grade-C, Transport Department
- Bajrang Chauhan, Peon Grade-H, PF-Pension Department
- Chaitram Kurmi, Electrician, Vasant Vihar Sub-Station
- Anarkali Banjare, Category-III Employee, Materials Management Department
Additionally, two senior officials scheduled to retire on May 31, 2026, were also acknowledged:
- B.N. Jha, General Manager (Mining), Director (Technical/Operations) Secretariat
- Manoj Mishra, Senior Manager (Survey), SECL Bhopal Office
Leadership Recognizes Years of Service
Speaking at the event, members of the SECL top management emphasized that the company’s achievements and growth have been made possible through the dedication, expertise, and commitment of its workforce. They stated that the contributions of the retiring employees would always remain an important part of SECL’s legacy.
As American journalists observing the ceremony, we were particularly struck by the emphasis placed on institutional memory, loyalty, and collective achievement. The recognition extended to employees across multiple ranks and departments, highlighting the organization’s appreciation for every level of service.
Retirees Express Gratitude
The retiring employees expressed their gratitude toward SECL and their colleagues. They noted that the organization has always fostered a culture of teamwork, mutual respect, and professional dedication. Several retirees remarked that officers and employees worked together “shoulder to shoulder,” creating a supportive environment that contributed to both personal and organizational success.
Successful Conduct of the Event
The ceremony was smoothly conducted by Savita Nirmalkar, Manager (Official Language/Rajbhasha), who presented the profiles and achievements of the retiring employees and served as the master of ceremonies.
A Celebration of Service and Legacy
The farewell program served not only as a retirement function but also as a celebration of decades of commitment, professionalism, and public service. The event underscored SECL’s commitment to honoring those who have played a significant role in the organization’s growth and success.
As two American observers, we found the ceremony to be a meaningful reminder that behind every major industrial enterprise are dedicated individuals whose contributions help build institutions, strengthen communities, and sustain economic development. The farewell reflected respect, gratitude, and recognitionโvalues that resonate across workplaces worldwide.
