Phillips Education, a renowned global leader in advanced manufacturing education, celebrated the grand inauguration of its Center of Excellence (CoE) at the Vishisht Government Industrial Training Institute, Haridwar, in partnership with the Uttarakhand Workforce Development Program (“UKWDP”) with the backing of the World Bank. This cutting-edge CoE represents India’s stride towards more efficient manufacturing methods and advanced technologies, positioning the nation on par with global manufacturing standards.
The inauguration ceremony, held from 2 pm to 3 pm, was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the esteemed chief guest, Shri Saurabh Bahuguna ji, Minister of Skill Development and Employment of Uttarakhand. Traditional diya lighting added a touch of auspiciousness to the event. Attendees were treated to a guided tour of the state-of-the-art center, enlightening speeches from distinguished speakers, and an engaging press conference.
Shri Saurabh Bahuguna ji emphasized the significance of the CoE, stating, “As we gather here today to inaugurate this Center of Excellence, let us take a minute to realize that ‘Aao Behtar Bharat Banaye’ is more than just a phrase – it represents how together, we are forging a better Uttarakhand and Bharat. This CoE will create job opportunities, ensure our people are trained using the very latest technologies, and motivate industries to set up their factories in our beautiful state and compete globally.”
Phillips Education’s mission revolves around bridging the skills gap in the manufacturing industry, and the Haridwar CoE, awarded earlier this year, is a significant step towards enhancing the region’s manufacturing capabilities. Prominent figures from Phillips, including Rakshiit Kejriwal (President, Phillips Education), Nikhil Modi (Global Marketing Leader, Phillips Corporation), and Col. Ankur Sabharwal (Vice President – Operations), graced the event, along with notable thought leaders such as Col. Mohit Chauhan and speeches from Dr. Harindra Garg, Chairman Sidcul Manufacturing Association, Uttarakhand.
Recognizing the far-reaching implications of this initiative, Phillips Education has been actively establishing CoEs not only across India but also overseas. Their collaboration with the Malaysian government has led to the development of a CoE driving Industry 4.0 in Malaysia. Additionally, their involvement in Qatar’s first advanced manufacturing CoE project, in collaboration with McKinsey and Factory One, reflects their commitment to addressing the global skills gap.
Rakshiit Kejriwal, “With an extraordinary customer base and unparalleled proficiency in creating and encouraging new machinists, Phillips is a brand to be reckoned with. Our foray into Manufacturing Education reflects not merely another business venture, but us taking the onus and responsibility to contribute to the betterment of our nation and truly making it Atmanirbhar.”
The officially operational Haridwar Center of Excellence is set to become a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and excellence, not only for the region but for the entire nation. As Phillips Education continues to establish CoEs across India and internationally, a vast network will facilitate student exchange programs, accelerating the incubation of ideas, technology transfer, and sharing of best practices.
The inauguration ceremony concluded with enthusiasm and hope for the future. The CoE’s state-of-the-art facilities, advanced machinery, and industry-leading curriculum left attendees impressed and optimistic about the impact it would have on the local workforce and the region’s overall economic growth. It serves as a shining example of the collaborative efforts of the State Government, Corporations, and the World Bank, aligning with initiatives such as Make in India, Skill India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
