Jamshedpur, March 3 (PTI): A spectacular aero-modelling show was organised here by Tata Steel to mark its founder Jamshedji Nusserwanji Tata's 168th birth anniversary today.

The celebrations were extra special this time around as J N Tata's baby 'Tata Steel' is celebrating its centenary year -- which also saw it acquire London-based steelmaker Corus and along with it the remnants of British Steel.

J N Tata had set up Tata Steel in 1907 overcoming hurdles from the then British colonial masters.

Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata, Corus Group Chairman Jim Leng, Corus Chief Executive Philippe Varin, Natsteel President Ooh Soon, Tata Steel Managing Director B Muthuraman were among others who took part in the celebrations marked a remote- control helicopter show and cultural events.

Incidentally, aviation was the passion of JRD Tata, the fourth Chairman of Tata Group, who is credited with launching India's first airline -- Tata Airlines -- that was later nationalised as Air-India, the country's flag carrier.

Ratan Tata too holds a pilot licence and only last month, he flew an F-16 fighter jet at the Bangalore Aero Show.

Floral tributes were offered by the business personalities to Jamshedji -- the 'doyen of Indian industry'.

Tata Steel employees and commoners too took part in the celebrations that saw a colourful float drive by showcasing the domestic steel major's stride in the past century and its rise as a global player.

About fifty companies and organisations participated in the function which lasted for over three hours.

The entire steel city wore a festive look with bright illumination even as the tourist hotspot Jubilee Park bathed in colours of light last night.