Third Batch of Work Integrated Learning Graduates emerge from BITS Pilani Bharat Forge Collaboration

Aug. 30, 2009 - PRLog -- Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), the flagship company of the USD 2.4 billion Kalyani Group, manufactures various forged and machined components for the automotive and non-automotive sector.

Since commencement of operations in 1966, BFL has achieved several milestones and is today among the largest and technologically most advanced manufacturer of Forged & Machined components. As one of India’s emerging multinationals, the company has manufacturing operations across 12 locations and 6 countries - 4 in India, 3 in Germany, one each in Sweden, Scotland, USA and 2 in China.

The Birla Institute of Technology and Science - BITS Pilani has been ranked among the top ranking universities in various Magazine surveys such as India Today, Outlook, LiveMint etc. BITS was initially accredited by NAAC with 5 Star rating and has recently been reaccredited by NAAC with 3.71 CGPA out of 4 and awarded VERY GOOD status. BITS Pilani has a very strong Alumni Network with Global spread across various continents.

BITS Pilani and Bharat Forge Pune signed a MoU in March 2004 for promoting academic and research interactions between the two institutions. Bharat Forge has been hosting Practice School program for the students of BITS Pilani and has been sponsoring their employees for undergoing the three year customized work integrated learning BS Manufacturing Engineering degree program. The first batch sponsored by Bharat Forge graduated in August 2007 and the second batch in August 2008.

The Graduation Function for the Third Batch of the B.S. (Manufacturing Engineering) Programme conducted by Bharat Forge Limited in collaboration with Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani which is one among the top ranking universities was held at Hotel Le Meridien Pune on Saturday, August 22, 2009.

Mrs Leena Deshpande, Head - Training Division, Bharat Forge Ltd., did the welcome address.  The colourful function was attended by Dr L K Maheshwari, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, Mr B N Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd., Dr B R Natarajan, Dean Work Integrated Learning Programmes BITS Pilani, Senior Management of Bharat Forge & the Kalyani Group, Prof BV Prasad Pune Off Campus centre coordinator along with other Faculty Members of BITS Pilani, family members of the passing out Graduates as well as the employees of the fourth batch undergoing the BITS collaborative program.

In his opening remarks, Mr B N Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd., congratulated the 41 achievers for striking a perfect balance in their professional, personal and educational lives. Commenting on the BITS Collaborative educational initiative, Mr Kalyani said that it was his personal desire to inculcate continuing education in Bharat Forge and provide opportunities to employees for growth as well as to take up higher responsibilities.

He expressed his happiness over the fact that many of the employees who underwent or undergoing the BITS collaborative program were providing insightful innovative contribution in various organizational initiatives and pointed out that they now have a well-defined career path and a clearer perspective.

Addressing the candidates he said, “The degree that you have got is through hard work, sincerity, application of mind and support of your family. It is therefore my desire that you step out, take additional responsibility, rise up and take the organization to the level that we want to achieve.”

Dr L K Maheshwari, Vice Chancellor, BITS, Pilani gave the certificates to the 41 employees of Bharat Forge who successfully completed this work integrated learning programme which requires them to play the role of a full time employee and full time student simultaneously.

Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals along with gift vouchers were also awarded to the candidates who secured the first three positions. Mr Bharat Shinde bagged the Gold Medal, Mr Jitendra Zope the Silver Medal and Mr Bhagwat Mane the bronze medal.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr L K Maheshwari, Vice- Chancellor, BITs Pilani, said, “In today’s world, knowledge is expanding at an unprecedented pace and to remain competitive a company has to be a learning organization. There is going to be a great demand for skilled people in this country and we are happy to be partnering with Bharat Forge who is taking a lead in creating this huge pool of skilled workforce”.

Dr B R Natarajan, Dean from BITS Pilani, in his concluding remarks said, “One common denominator that we observed in all the candidates was their desire to achieve world-class success. He then wished success to the candidates and urged them to become an asset not just to their company and institution but to the nation at large”.

Dr S V Bhave, Vice – President, HR, Bharat Forge Ltd. proposed the vote of thanks. Mr Sandesh Jagtap, former BITS Graduate was the Master of Ceremony.

In India today, this marks yet another milestone in Industry university collaborations and reiterates the fact that when a mission is taken up with passion, there are no frontiers beyond reach.

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The Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani is a Deemed University (established under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 under notification No. F.12-23/63, U-2 dated 18th June 1964) running educational programs both on-campus as well as off-campus, offering degrees at all three-tiers, namely, Integrated First Degree, Higher Degree and Ph.D. The Institute presently has its campuses at Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad in India and Dubai in UAE.