AIFI’s Vision for a Skilled Future: Tackling Industry Challenges through Innovation and Collaboration

Mumbai/New Delhi, 19th November: The Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), the apex body representing the Indian forging industry, recently hosted a successful session on “Current Industry Scenario, Innovative Technology & Skill Development” in New Delhi. This event marks the second such session, following a highly successful gathering in Pune that focused on similar themes. The session brought together industry leaders, experts, and decision-makers from various sectors, including CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Plant Heads, HR Heads and other functional heads, to discuss the latest technological advancements and strategies for upskilling the workforce in the forging industry.

The session featured three insightful presentations, covering the current industry scenario, energy price risk management, and skill development. It highlighted the critical need for embracing technological innovations and making substantial investments in workforce skill development to drive growth in the forging sector. The key takeaway was the importance of fostering closer collaboration between industry and academia to create curricula that align with the latest technological advancements, ensuring the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to excel in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Prof. (Dr.) Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor, Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Government of Haryana shared how Shri Vishwakarma Skill University is forging industry and academia collaborations which is so vital for building a workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet industry demands. Prof. Nehru also shared various industry-aligned curricula being offered to the industry to bridge the education-industry gap.

Mr. Hemal N. Thakkar, Senior Practice Leader and Director,  CRISIL Market Intelligence & Analytics presented the current industry scenario and highlighted the opportunities emerging in defense and aerospace sectors.

The event also featured importance of energy price risk management and the challenges of navigating volatile energy prices amidst global disruptions. 

The session also highlighted India’s remarkable manufacturing revival, driven by strategic government initiatives, which presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Rapid technological advancements, geopolitical conflicts, and regulatory complexities are creating hurdles for the industry. A key issue is the skills mismatch in advanced manufacturing, which calls for greater investment in vocational training to meet the demands of the industry.

Overall, the session reinforced the need for stronger collaboration between industry and academia, particularly in integrating forging technology into engineering curricula and upskilling the workforce. The event highlighted the urgency of investing in technology and skill development to bridge the gap in high-skilled labor and support India’s growth in advanced manufacturing. AIFI’s proactive approach in addressing these challenges positions collaborationinnovation, and skill development as essential drivers for the forging industry’s future growth.

Ecoworld HABBA connects community through art and nature

Bengaluru: 28 October 2024: Brookfield Properties in India successfully hosted the inaugural Ecoworld HABBA, an annual event dedicated to celebrating the confluence of creativity, community, and sustainability.

Held at Ecoworld, Bengaluru, this vibrant gathering showcased the rich art, culture, and heritage of Old Bangalore through a variety of engaging activities that captivated attendees. The event featured hands-on art workshops, a bustling flea market showcasing over 50 local artists, and lively performances from popular acts like Jordindian and Project Malabaricus. This diverse lineup aimed to provide a unique cultural experience that resonated with the spirit of the city.

A major highlight of the event was the display of three significant art installations by renowned artist Urjita Sharma, founder of collabHOUS. Each installation emphasized sustainability and reflected Brookfield Properties’ commitment to environmental consciousness. The first installation, Naachike Mullu (Touch-Me-Not), is a striking 9-foot metal structure that poignantly depicts the degradation of urban landscapes due to rapid urbanization. The second installation, Tree of Life, symbolizes the eternal cycle of life through five stands representing various stages: birth, growth, death, rebirth, and wisdom. Lastly, Birds of a Flock invites audience participation with its playful representation of bird flight, highlighting the essential connection between humans and nature.

“At Brookfield Properties, we are excited to relaunch the Ecoworld brand and reinforce what it stands for—engagement with community, art, sustainability, and social initiatives. The Ecoworld HABBA is not just an event; it is a celebration of our commitment to creating an ecosystem rather than merely a business park. By bringing together our occupiers, their families, and the overall Bangalore community, we foster a sense of belonging within our vibrant spaces. As we continue to expand this concept in other cities, we look forward to seeing Ecoworld HABBA evolve into our signature event—an Intellectual Property that embodies our philosophy of placemaking and meaningful interactions” Said Shantanu Chakraborty, COO, Brookfield Properties in India

A lot of the prestigious occupiers of this business park combined their family days with this event to amplify the enjoyment, bringing the entire park together as one community. This vibrant celebration of community and culture perfectly aligned with Brookfield Properties’ commitment to placemaking.

Brookfield Properties plans to continue this approach by offering a variety of unique experiences that create environments where people can connect and enjoy meaningful moments together. The Ecoworld HABBA served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on environmental awareness through art, fostering a deeper connection between communities and their natural surroundings.