####Smart Factories Need Smart Engineers: Dr. Anil Mehta

Udaipur,With the objective of preparing highly skilled diploma engineers to meet the demands of rapidly evolving industrial technologies and Industry 4.0, the Diploma Engineering Internship Training Program commenced on Saturday at the Saraswati Mechatronics Centre of Vidya Bhawan Polytechnic College.

Addressing the inaugural session, Principal Dr. Anil Mehta emphasized that modern industries—including automobile, electronics, electrical, cement, steel, textiles, pharmaceuticals, food processing, chemicals, water management, energy, mining, and manufacturing—are increasingly driven by automated machinery and digital control systems.

"Smart factories require smart engineers," Dr. Mehta said, stressing that engineering students must acquire hands-on expertise in advanced industrial technologies to remain competitive in today's manufacturing landscape.

He explained that Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) are the backbone of controlling modern machines and production lines, while Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems enable real-time monitoring and control of industrial operations. Likewise, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology forms the foundation of precision manufacturing, whereas pneumatic and hydraulic systems play a vital role in robotics, press machines, material handling, and automation-based production units. Knowledge of these technologies, he noted, has become indispensable across contemporary industries.

Dr. Mehta also acknowledged the contribution of the Saraswati Singhal Foundation for establishing the Mechatronics Centre and providing advanced technical training facilities for aspiring engineers. Expressing gratitude to industrialist Salil Singhal, he urged trainees to make the most of the opportunity by developing not only technical expertise but also values such as honesty, discipline, responsibility, a positive work culture, and professional ethics—qualities essential for becoming successful engineering professionals.

Former Industry Manager M.S. Ranawat observed that technical knowledge alone does not define a successful engineer. Industries seek professionals who combine technical competence with the ability to understand organizational culture, collaborate effectively, and work efficiently in teams.

Prakash Sundaram, Head of the Electrical Department, said the training program aims to equip students with the skills required for smart manufacturing, digital production systems, and automated industrial processes, making them industry-ready.

The training team, comprising engineers Nitin Sanadhya, Gaurang Sharma, Amit Kushwaha, Ramesh Chandra Kumhar, and Pankaj Kumar Singh, informed that participants will receive practical training in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), SCADA systems, CNC programming, industrial sensors, control panels, pneumatics, hydraulics, and industrial automation.

In addition to technical modules, the program also includes training in organizational behavior, interpersonal skills, time management, problem-solving aptitude, teamwork, and professional ethics, enabling students to develop into responsible, disciplined, innovative, and solution-oriented engineers aligned with modern industrial work culture.