Chandigarh
15 February 2025
DIVYA AZAD
The inaugural programme of SAKSHAM 2025 was held at National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR), Sector 26, in the esteemed presence of Honorable S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly. SAKSHAM (Sanrakshan Kshamata Mahotsav) is a fortnight-long initiative by the oil industry, aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of conserving petroleum products. The awareness will be held throughout Punjab and Chandigarh (UT). Notably, the inaugural function was jointly organised by State Level Coordinators(SLC’s) of Oil Industries of Chandigarh(UT) and Punjab.
The event was coordinated by Sh. Ashutosh Gupta, State Level Coordinator, Oil Industry, Punjab and Executive Director & State Head, Punjab State Office, Indian oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL); Sh. Sushant Goyal, State Level Coordinator, Oil Industry, Chandigarh U.T. and Chief Regional Manager, Chandigarh Retail, RO Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL); Sh. Akash Bhawan, Zonal Office In Charge(ZOIC), Chandigarh Zonal Office, Gas Authority of India Ltd(GAIL) and Sh. Arun Kumar Sonvani, State Head(LPG), Punjab, J&K, HP and Chandigarh, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited(BPCL). The oil industry outlined various initiatives during the fortnight across key sectors—transport, industry, agriculture, and domestic—to promote oil and gas conservation.
In his address, Honorable S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, emphasized the critical need for conserving petroleum products. He urged citizens to adopt fuel-saving practices to reduce the nation’s dependence on imports and conserve valuable foreign exchange.
Shri Ashutosh Gupta also encouraged school children, media personnel, and the citizens of Chandigarh and Punjab to actively participate in conservation efforts. A pledge to conserve oil & petroleum was also taken at the inaugural event. A ‘nukkad natak’ to create awareness about fuel conservation too was presented. The inaugural function featured the flagging off a mobile van adorned with slogans promoting saving oil and gas to raise public awareness.
The event witnessed significant participation from students and prominent citizens, reflecting a collective commitment to energy conservation. SAKSHAM 2025 serves as a vital initiative to educate the public on the importance of conserving petroleum resources. Through collective efforts, the nation’s dependence on imports can be reduced, India can conserve foreign exchange and also ensure the longevity of oil reserves.
