Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Honors Industrial Heritage During Visit to Historic Digboi

(Reported by Binod Bagra,Digboi)

Digboi, Assam: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, recently paid an insightful visit to the historic town of Digboi, a site globally recognized as the "Gangotri of the Indian Oil Industry." The tour, which focused on the iconic Digboi Refinery and the Digboi Centenary Museum, served to highlight the town's unparalleled contribution to India's energy evolution and the government's dedication to preserving the nation's rich industrial legacy.

Upon his arrival, Minister Puri was warmly received by key leadership, including IndianOil Chairman A. S. Sahney and Digboi Refinery Executive Director Rahul Prashant, who presented him with a traditional Assamese Phulam Gamusa. The visit was also attended by local representative Suren Phukan, MLA of Digboi, along with a delegation of senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

During his visit, the Minister toured significant landmarks such as Well No. 1 and the Old Still, before spending time at the Digboi Centenary Museum. He expressed deep appreciation for the meticulous care taken by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in maintaining the site. Mr. Puri emphasized that the museum acts as a vital repository of knowledge, bridging the gap between the pioneering efforts of the past and the aspirations of future generations of engineers and energy professionals.

Digboi’s place in history is solidified by the discovery of oil in 1889, leading to the establishment of what is now the world’s second-oldest operating refinery. The Digboi Centenary Museum, situated behind the main refinery, continues to be a cornerstone of this heritage. Through its collection of rare archival records, historical equipment, and documentation dating back to 1901, the museum chronicles the collective hard work of the engineers, laborers, and local communities who laid the foundation for India’s energy independence.

This visit serves as a testament to the Government of India's ongoing commitment to balancing modern energy advancement with the conservation of industrial history. By celebrating the roots of the petroleum sector in Assam, the Ministry aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the nation's journey toward becoming a global energy player.