Addressing the 74th annual general meeting of the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) held here on Sunday, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari highlighted India’s economic growth trajectory and the crucial role of manufacturing, especially the automobile sector, in achieving the national vision of a $5 trillion economy and making India the third-largest economy in the world. Gadkari also spoke about the significant contribution of the automobile sector to the foundry industry’s growth. He was chief guest of the function. The Union Minister further expressed confidence that India could eventually make its automobile industry the largest in the world, citing the presence of global brands and domestic technological progress. Gadkari concluded with optimism, urging industries to adopt a futuristic vision driven by innovation, alternative fuels and waste-to-wealth initiatives. On the occasion, Sushil Sharma, Managing Director, Shamlax Meta-Chem Pvt Ltd, took over the charge of National President of the Institute of Indian Foundrymen.

 

The other office-bearers of the institute includes - Vikram Jain - Vice-President; Prayut Bhamawat - Secretary; S Muthukumar - Treasurer; and Navneet Agarwal - Immediate Past President. The Presidential theme for 2025-26, ‘Lets Grow Together’, underlines the fact that progress of Indian Foundry Industry depends on every part of the ecosystem - raw material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, foundries and young foundrymen advancing together. “The growth of IIF as a whole relies on the united growth of all Regions and Chapters. When foundrymen work as one, they build not just a stronger industry but a stronger India,” said Sushil Sharma in his address. As is customary, the annual report and financial statements of 2024-25 were presented to the members for approval by Secretary 2024-25 Pradeep Kumar Madhogaria and Treasurer 2024-25 Dinesh Gupta, respectively. The Indian Foundry Journal-Legacy Edition containing technical articles of significance since 1955 was released on the occasion. Prayut Bhamawat proposed the formal vote of thanks while Shweta Shelgaonkar conducted the proceedings of the function.