In a bid to connect the dots between academic learning and real-world industrial application, ET NOW Machinist - a Times Group magazine - hosted an immersive facility tour as part of its skilling initiative for over 200 students from the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP), under the banner of its flagship event, the Festival of Manufacturing 2025. Now in its third edition, the Festival of Manufacturing, through its skilling initiative, hosted two plant tours aimed at empowering the next generation of manufacturers by offering hands-on exposure to India's dynamic industrial landscape.
This industry-first initiative was thoughtfully designed to provide second- and third-year B.Tech students in Manufacturing Science and Engineering with practical insights into modern manufacturing ecosystems.
The dual-facility tour was conducted simultaneously at DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations, a cutting-edge deep tech and data science company, and Omega Seiki Mobility, a leading Indian electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer with a state-of-the-art three-wheeler production plant in Pune.
Droneacharya Aerial Innovations
At DroneAcharya, students were welcomed with an in-depth corporate presentation that laid the foundation for their plant visit. They explored the inhouse R&D centre, pilot training stations, and a live drone display area featuring models like Agriveer and FPV drones. The session emphasised the role of drones in sectors ranging from agriculture and law enforcement to defence and oil & gas.
Nikita Srivastava, Director – HR & Culture at DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, "This is a great opportunity for both students and the industry. While colleges build the theoretical foundation, real-world application provides clarity and direction. It helps students choose the right career path and gives us, as industry leaders, a chance to identify future talents."
Students echoed this sentiment, expressing newfound enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of drone technologies and their wide-ranging industrial applications. One student remarked: "I loved learning about drone simulations and their use in rescue operations. It was eye-opening to see how theory translates into something so impactful in the real world."
When asked how the tour would influence their career path, another student shared, "I've been studying manufacturing for the past three years, but this industrial visit gave me a whole new perspective. Seeing drones being used in real-world applications that rely on high-end technology really sparked my interest. It helped me understand how advanced and dynamic the manufacturing sector is today, and it motivated me to seriously consider it as a long-term career path."
On the ground with EVs: Omega Seiki Mobility
At Omega Seiki Mobility, students were taken through a structured and comprehensive walkthrough of the company's EV manufacturing process. The session began with an introduction to plant operations, followed by a guided tour through key departments including the Receiving Quality Check area, Inventory Management, and the main shop floor.
From learning about terms like FIFO, Kaizen, and Poka-Yoke, to observing production lines and subassembly stations, students witnessed the practical application of lean manufacturing concepts they study in the classroom. The tour concluded with insights into the company's complete process flow—from material inward to final PDI check and road testing.
Commenting on the initiative, Uday Narang, Founder, Omega Seiki Mobility, said, "The Festival of Manufacturing is more than an event—it's a movement to ignite passion for building India through manufacturing. At Omega Seiki Mobility, we've always believed that real transformation happens when young minds step out of the classroom and into the factory. By opening our doors to engineering students, we're giving them a chance to experience the heartbeat of innovation—where machines, ideas, and people come together. This hands-on exposure inspires them to dream bigger, build smarter, and become the future leaders of India's industrial revolution."
A second-year manufacturing student shared, "We saw first-hand how electric vehicles are built and tested. Concepts like ECU, quality checks, and even IoT applications came to life for us. It really motivated me to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing."
Another student added, "We finally saw the real meaning of the terms we've read about. The experience gave me clarity on what skills I need to develop for a future on the shop floor."
The educators' perspective
Dr Sandeep S. Anasane, Head of the Department of Manufacturing Engineering & Industrial Management at COEP, emphasised the critical need for such exposure, "We are grateful to ET NOW Machinist and the Times Group for organising this tour for our students. Initiatives like these are instrumental in bridging the gap between theory and practical experience. They not only enrich students' understanding but also align perfectly with the national vision of Make in India, Make for the World."
Conclusion: From aspiration to action
As India stands at the cusp of a manufacturing renaissance, initiatives like facility tours are more than educational—they are transformative. By exposing students to the heartbeat of modern industry, these tours ignite curiosity, foster career clarity, and forge a stronger connection between academic learning and industrial innovation.
With sectors like electric mobility and drone technology booming, these early encounters can shape the engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators of tomorrow. As one student rightly said, "We came with questions and left with purpose."
And with that, the future of Indian manufacturing looks not just skilled - but inspired.
