Tata Steel's Centenary celebrations - "Shatrang" to mark 100 years of the company began with a huge bang in Jamshedpur today. Shatrang Mela, the 3-day colourful fiesta in Gopal Maidan was declared open by Mr. B Muthuraman, Managing Director - Tata Steel amidst music, dance and colours. Shatrang - a festival of 100 colours symbolizes the coming together of the different hues and groups of Jamshedpur that include employees, youth, traders, professionals, business groups and communities that have prospered and grown in the last 100 years with Tata Steel. This is an opportunity and an effort by Tata Steel to bring together everyone associated with it and give them a platform to participate in the Centenary celebrations.

Mr. B Muthuraman, Managing Director - Tata Steel was overwhelmed to declare this 4 day long fiesta open. While addressing the citizens of the beautiful city of Jamshedpur, he welcomed everybody to the inaugural programme of Shatrang. He said, "To mark its Centenary, Tata Steel has extended its boundaries and involved not only its employees but also embraced the entire society to participate in the celebrations. The Company was founded with the philosophy that the prime purpose of all enterprises is to improve the quality of life of the society and it has done so in the last 100 years. Tata Steel in its purpose and execution, combines business acumen with caring for the society, a modern well run high technology steel facilities with meeting basic needs of the poor and the needy, business excellence with an equal passion in the service of the society - all these are a rare combination in today's materialistic world."

The inauguration of the show began with the Shatrang song, a youthful lively number that has specially been created for the occasion. This was followed by a performance of Gotipua, a folk dance from Orissa by Baba Gorakhnath Gotipua Dance School. The dancers with their synchronized steps presented a traditional and indigenous composition. There was a martial arts performance by Sapphire Creations which was an ensemble of colours, vibrancy and enthusiasm. True to its name, Shatrang Mela, a part of Shatrang - festival of 100 colours in Gopal Maidan is a vibrant display of colours and festivities. The venue has been beautifully decorated and lit up with stalls displaying an array of merchandise. With a toy train, ferris wheel and a host of carnival rides for children, there are magicians, stilt-walkers, cartoon characters and jugglers walking around entertaining toddlers and children. In addition to this, a wide range of food stalls have been set up with food items from across the country. Most of these are by 'State Sammelanis' of Jamshedpur. There is also a corner for 'Shatrang Bazaar' with stalls displaying jewellery, handloom fabrics, readymade garments, gift items, candles and products made by self-help groups. The Mela is the place to be for all age groups; it not only has entertainment programmes for children, but also stalls and shows that will impress the youth and older generation.

Tata Steel's Centenary Celebration, Shatrang promises 4 days of fun, frolic and excitement for the citizens of Jamshedpur.