Page 7 - Plastics News February 2018

THE PRESIDENT SAYS SAYS
THE PRESIDENT

Plastindia 2018 Concludes Successfully

he much awaited event of the plastic industry, Plastindia 2018 concluded on a positive
Tnote at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. There were many expectations as I prepared to spend
almost a week in Ahmedabad for the event wearing different hats as an Exhibitor, as an
Organiser, as a Head of Industry Association and as a Visitor. Trying to meet all the obligations
of different roles, I ended up spending more time attending side events. These events
refreshed picture on the larger canvas for me. I would like to share some of the takeaways.
Early morning flight from Delhi to ensure that I don’t miss the inauguration function set
the stage for the interesting week ahead. It seemed that most of the co passengers were
headed for the exhibition. While waiting to board the flight, my conversation with a young
co passenger turned towards his objectives for visit to the event. His enthusiasm and
preparedness allayed my concerns on what was there in the box for me. Ride from Airport
to the hotel and to the fairgrounds seemed to take ever. Dawning upon me the ground
realties of the city undermining all my time calculations. I could just make it in time for HITEN BHEDA
the inauguration function and an exciting week ahead.
Participation in the awards night as a recipient of award for “Creating Awareness on Plastic
Industry” by AIPMA for work done by the association in previous years brought to light
various innovations and developmental work done by enterprises that were ensuring success
of their business models. Specifically, innovations on material modifications, product design
and processing brought sense of pride for the industry and the nation.
Attending a meticulously planned conference session with world class speakers from
Global fraternity and from our own industry ingrained a new perspective on plastics and
environment. Poster sessions by students must be appreciated too. While I was less fortunate
to witness all the sessions, hearing about session on journey of development of Ventilator by
innovator at disruptive costing makes me awe struck. A request to convert the conference to
webinar for the benefit of the industry and in particular as an inspirational tool for younger
generation would be the most appropriate tribute.

An interactive session and panel discussion on Plastindia International University, highlighted
a world class institution in the making. Viewpoints of learned panellists on skill sets required
for the industry to grow to next orbit indeed will pave the way forward for the plastic
processing segment of India.

Lastly, CEO meet, a brain storming session with top industry leaders gave insight into what
lies ahead. I am sold on the idea that India’s per capita income has reached a tripping point
and that the global history suggests that all economies after reaching such inflection point
have without fail grown at much higher rates. India cannot be exception. So friends, tighten
the belts. Rockets have been ignited and count down for the launch is on.

Hiten Bheda
president@aipma.net

7 Feb ruar y 2018 Plastics News