Howrah Division Celebrates 100 Glorious Years with Distributing Special Jute Bag Souvenir

As part of the ongoing celebrations marking the 100 glorious years of Howrah Division, a special program was held today at the PBRC Hall in the DRM Building, Howrah. The occasion was a significant part of the year-long celebrations recognising the Howrah Division’s remarkable journey and its contribution to the Indian Railway system over the past century.

The event was organised under the direction of Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, and was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM – Operations), Senior Divisional Personnel Officer (Sr. DPO), Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer (Sr. DME), and other distinguished officers from the personnel branch. During the event, DRM Mr. Sanjeev Kumar addressed the gathering, highlighting the division’s legacy and its important role in ensuring smooth operations and connectivity within the region. He expressed gratitude to all the railway staff and officers who have been a part of this journey, contributing to the growth and success of the division.

In a gesture that reflects the division’s commitment to both history and sustainability, a special souvenir was presented to the officials of the personnel branch. A beautifully crafted jute bag, emblazoned with the official logo of Howrah Division’s 100 years, was distributed as a token of appreciation. The bags serve as not only a memorable memento of this historic milestone but also as a symbol of the division’s ongoing efforts to promote the local Jute Industry. The initiative is part of the broader objective to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of jute, a sustainable alternative to plastic. By distributing these jute bags, Howrah Division aims to encourage the use of eco-friendly products while supporting a vital industry that has historically provided significant employment opportunities in the region. The souvenir distribution is an effort to bridge the centennial celebrations with a commitment to sustainability and local industry promotion.

Mr. Kumar emphasised that the move to highlight jute was aligned with Indian Railways’ broader vision of promoting green practices and creating awareness about the importance of sustainable alternatives. The celebration also served as an opportunity to acknowledge the continuous dedication and hard work of railway employees who have been pivotal in maintaining Howrah Division’s esteemed position within Indian Railways.

The Jute industry in West Bengal is a significant economic sector, particularly in the eastern region of India. West Bengal is the largest producer of raw jute in India and has a substantial number of jute mills, according to the Ministry of Textiles. Jute, the golden fibre, meets all the standards for “safe” packaging in view of being a natural, renewable, biodegradable and eco-friendly product. It is estimated that that the jute industry provides direct employment to 0.37 million workers in organised mills and in diversified units including tertiary sector and allied activities and supports the livelihood of around 4.0 million farm families. The industry supports millions of farmers and provides employment to workers in mills and related activities, according to the Office of the Textile Commissioner. However, the industry faces challenges like raw material shortages, modernisation shortfalls, and competitive pressures.