The Machinist Super Shopfloor Awards 2024 proved to be a star-studded, glittery evening graced by distinguished personalities from both the state government and the manufacturing fraternity. The evening was nothing short of spectacular, with luminaries from various sectors converging to celebrate the achievements and innovations in the manufacturing industry. The ceremony began with a traditional lamp lighting, symbolising the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of knowledge and prosperity. This auspicious start was led by the esteemed guests of honour and special invitees, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
The event was graced by the presence of our guest of honour, including Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT), Government of Telangana, and Mr. Atul Rane, Director General (BrahMos) and CEO & MD BrahMos Aerospace. Adding to the glamour were special guests Dr. Likhita Yalamanchili, Femina Miss India Andhra Pradesh 2022, and Urmila Chauhan, Femina Miss India Telangana 2023. These personalities brought an added touch of glamour and prestige to the event, underscoring its significance in the manufacturing sector.
The ceremonial lamp lighting was kickstarted by our distinguished guests including Jayesh Ranjan, Atul Rane, Ramesh T K, MD, Ace Designers Limited, S Yatendra Kumar, Business Head, MotulTech India, and Ravi Prem, Executive Director, Forbes Precision Tools and Machine Parts Limited. This ritual not only marked the commencement of the event but also symbolised the enlightenment and the continuous pursuit of excellence that the awards represent.
Following the ceremonial lamp lighting, Rahul Kamat, Editor – B2B Division, Worldwide Media, The Times Group, delivered an inspiring welcome note. He highlighted the significance of the evening, stating, "This evening is not only a celebration of our award winners but also a testament to the strength of our organisation's culture. Our shared values of integrity, teamwork, and a relentless drive for continuous improvement have paved the way for these remarkable achievements." His words resonated deeply with the audience, setting a positive and ambitious tone for the evening.
Ramesh TK then took the stage for his opening address, emphasising the importance of recognising and celebrating the hard work and innovation that drive the manufacturing industry forward. His speech was a call to action, encouraging all attendees to continue striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in manufacturing.
The awards ceremony was a testament to the diversity and dynamism of the Indian manufacturing sector. With 54 awards presented across 16 editorial choice and seven categories, the evening celebrated achievements in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Manufacturing Excellence, Digital Manufacturing, Innovation (Product/Process), Quality, Human Capital Management (HCM), and Supply Chain Management (SCM). The awards were further segmented into Large, Medium, and SMEs, with both runners-up and winners being recognised in each category.
Adding to the glamour of the evening was the enchanting performance by the talented harpist, Megan Pandian. Her music provided a sophisticated and soothing backdrop to the evening's proceedings, elevating the ambiance and delighting the attendees. One of the highlights of her performance was a mesmerising rendition of "Bella Ciao," which captivated the audience. The haunting melody of the beloved song resonated deeply, creating a shared moment of joy and appreciation among the guests, and reminding everyone of the powerful connection between art and innovation.
The success of the Machinist Super Shopfloor Awards 2024 would not have been possible without the support of its esteemed partners. The presenting partner for the event was Ace Micromatic Group, with MotulTech India Pvt Ltd as the 'Powered By' partner. Other key partners included Forbes Precision Tools and Machine Parts Limited as the 'Tooling' partner, Marposs India as the 'Quality' partner, Carl Zeiss India as the 'Metrology' partner, igus India as an 'Associate' partner, and ESR India and Partex Marking System as 'Supporting' partners. Bennett University was the 'Education' partner, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the manufacturing community and its collective commitment to excellence.
The pinnacle of the evening unfolded with the awarding of the Lifetime Achievement of The Year Award to Shri Atul Rane, Director General (BrahMos) and CEO & MD BrahMos Aerospace. Shri Rane, revered for his decades of unwavering dedication to indigenous R&D, choked back tears as he accepted the honour. His pioneering work in mission-critical onboard computers, hardware-in-loop simulation studies, and avionics technologies has left an indelible mark on defence applications. Amidst thunderous applause, his trembling voice conveyed deep gratitude, reflecting the immense respect and admiration he has earned throughout his illustrious career.
A crucial aspect of the awards process was the role of the eminent jury members who meticulously evaluated each nomination. The distinguished panel included Hemant Watve, CEO & MD Wilo Mather and Platt Pumps Private Limited; Dr. Dhananjay Kumar, Emeritus Professor, College of Engineering Pune; Vikas Kadlag, Managing Director, Robertshaw India; Bireshwar Mitra, Former Executive Director, Sharda Motor Industries Ltd.; S. K. Sinha, Group Chief Executive Officer, Bony Polymers Group; Rajeev Mittal, Chief Information Officer (CIO), Endurance Technologies Ltd.; Abhijit Janugade, Director-Plant, Leidel & Kracht India Pvt. Ltd.; Prof. Madhu Ranjan, Emeritus Professor, College of Engineering Pune; and Rahul Kamat, Editor-B2B Division, Worldwide Media. Their expertise and dedication ensured a fair and thorough evaluation process, recognising the most deserving candidates.
The Machinist Super Shopfloor Awards 2024 was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of the relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and dedication that characterises the Indian manufacturing industry. The evening highlighted the achievements of individuals and organisations who have set new benchmarks in their fields, inspiring others to strive for greater heights. The event not only honoured the winners but also served as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering a sense of community among the industry's best and brightest.
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that the Machinist Super Shopfloor Awards continue to play a crucial role in promoting and recognising excellence in manufacturing, paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future for the industry. The glittering ceremony, the inspiring speeches, the enchanting music, and the recognition of outstanding achievements all combined to make the Machinist Super Shopfloor Awards 2024 an unforgettable evening that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.