The Convocation Ceremony of 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 was held at Hotel Le Meridien, on Saturday, 22nd August 2009.

This year, the degree was conferred to 41 students from the third batch of B.S. (Manufacturing Engineering) for the year 2009 by Dr L K Maheshwari, Vice Chancellor, BITS, Pilani. Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals along with gift vouchers were awarded to the first three positions. Mr Bharat Shinde walked away with the much coveted first position followed by Mr Jitendra Zope at the second position and Mr Bhagwat Mane close at the third position.

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 Bh arat Forge who is taking a lead in creating this huge pool of skilled workforce”.

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 this educational initiative, he said that “ it has been my personal desire to inculcate education in our organization and provide opportunities to employees for growth and higher responsibilities. Today, at the end of three years I am extremely happy to see the 3rd batch graduating. Many of them have provided insightful innovative contribution in various organizational initiatives. They now have a well - defined career path and a clearer perspective”.

An emerging economy like India can grow equal to other developed countries provided we create that kind of brain power and I can clearly see this happening in our organization, he added.

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 B R Natarajan, Dean , Distance Learning Programme Division, 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”.

The Convocation Ceremony was attended by Dr L K Maheshwari, Vice - Chancellor, BITS Pilani, Dr B R Natarajan, Dean, Distance Learning Programme Division, BITS Pilani, Mr B N Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd., Senior Management of Bharat Forge & the Kalyani Group, Faculty Members of BITS Pilani, family members of the passing out Graduates & the 4th batch of B.S. (Manufacturing Engineering) Students.

Mrs Leena Deshpande, Head - Training Division, Bharat Forge Ltd., did the welcome remarks while 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.