• Initiative under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
• Study visits for select colleges in Kerala

The Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi has often shared his vision of building a new, Aatmanirbhar Bharat by the year 2022. To commemorate the monumental occasion of 75 years of Independence, all Departments and Ministries of the Government of India are hosting a set of activities for a resurgent, Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The objective is to merge the best of tradition with the most modern, global outlook on various themes chosen. As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has envisaged Study Visits to various operational units of the Oil PSUs in different parts of the country.

Bharat Petroleum Kochi Refinery, has taken the opportunity to invite students from colleges in Kerala to see and understand how the largest PSU Refinery in India is fuelling the Nation’s progress. The first batch of students from UC College visited Kochi Refinery on 9 October 2021.

Shri Sanjay Khanna, Executive Director (Kochi Refinery), inaugurated the Study Visit Series in the presence of Shri Kurian Alapatt, Chief General Manager (HR) and Shri George Thomas, General Manager (PR & Administration). Shri Sanjay Khanna interacted with the students and spoke of the different technological trends in the energy and environment scenario and how chemistry is playing a key role in this emerging world. Mr. Khanna also congratulated UC College on the Centenary Celebrations this year.

The students were given a detailed presentation on the Refinery process and significant changes in the petroleum industry for energy efficiency and sustainable development. Thereafter, the students were taken on a bus tour inside the Refinery. They also went inside the Main Control Room where the refinery operations are controlled and monitored. “We are privileged to be part of the programme since it exposes students to the different aspects of the industry. For chemistry students, visiting a Refinery is a great learning,” said Smt. Minu Joys, Assistant Professor, Dept of Chemistry, UC College.