Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., a Mini Ratna Category-I PSE under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) celebrated its sesquicentennial Foundation Day on February 12, 2016 in a function organized at Nazrul Mancha, Kolkata. The Chief Guest Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas inaugurated the Foundation Day Celebrations by lighting the lamp.
 
Balmer Lawrie established as a partnership firm on February 1, 1867 by two Scotsmen Stephen George Balmer and Alexander Lawrie in Kolkata has traversed 149 years and during its historic journey, the Company has ventured into various sectors from tea, shipping, insurance, banking, trading to manufacturing. Today Balmer Lawrie is a diversified conglomerate with presence in manufacturing and services sector. It has an impeccable record of never having incurred losses ever since inception that is for the last 149 years.
 
Shri. Prabal Basu, Chairman & Managing Director, Balmer Lawrie welcomed the guests and along with other directors felicitated the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Basu recounted the glorious 149 years of Balmer Lawrie and spoke about the Company’s recent developments. On this historic occasion, he payed homage to the Founding Fathers and praised the employees, patrons, customers and all stakeholders for their contribution and continuous support. Not many companies are privileged to witness such an important corporate milestone.
 
Hon’ble Minister of State, MoPNG, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan addressing on the momentous occasion congratulated the entire Balmer Lawrie family and acknowledged the Company’s diversity and the contributions that Balmer Lawrie has made across sectors like Logistics, Lubricants, Packaging and Travel & Vacations. Shri. Pradhan said he was happy being part of the 150^th year celebrations of the Company; the Company that has stood the test of time and has emerged as a leading conglomerate.
 
The celebrations included performances by the employees and their children. The evening came to an end with a highly entertaining performance by popular singers Anik Dhar and Anwesha Datta Gupta. The performances were thoroughly enjoyed by the employees and their families.
 
Balmer Lawrie observed the Foundation Day on 1^st February across all locations which was followed by week-long programs culminating in a grand evening of celebrations. In-house activities and events will continue to be organized throughout the year.