By The Great Die Casting Technology Forum (GDCTECH Forum) has honoured Hari Shanker, Founder and Managing Editor of Machine Maker, for his outstanding contribution to India’s manufacturing sector through industry journalism and his efforts to bring the achievements of Indian manufacturers, particularly MSMEs, into the spotlight.
The recognition was presented during the valedictory session of GDCTECH 2026, held on October 8 at Hotel Kalasagar, Pimpri, Pune. The two-day conference, conducted on October 7 and 8, focused on “Next Generation Die Casting for EV & Mobility Applications” and brought together die casters, technology providers, tool and die manufacturers, and mobility-sector professionals.
Anil S. Kulkarni, President of GDCTECH Forum and Chairman and Managing Director of Poojaa Precision Engineering Ltd, presented the citation to Hari Shanker along with chief guest Ratish Choulkar, a senior metallurgist at Endurance Technologies Ltd. Senior office-bearers of the forum, industry delegates and members of the die casting community attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Jitendra Lakhotia, Vice President of GDCTECH Forum and CEO of Aakar Foundry Pvt Ltd, appreciated Machine Maker for creating a dedicated platform for manufacturers whose achievements often receive limited attention in mainstream media. He noted that the publication has helped increase the visibility of Indian MSMEs and inspired more people to explore careers and entrepreneurial opportunities in manufacturing.
Anil Kulkarni emphasised the importance of recognising individuals and organisations that consistently support the manufacturing industry. He acknowledged the role played by Machine Maker in highlighting manufacturers and their contributions to industrial growth.
Accepting the honour, Hari Shanker expressed gratitude to the Indian manufacturing community and his editorial team. He said the recognition belonged not only to the publication but also to the entrepreneurs who trusted the magazine with their stories and experiences.
With more than three decades of experience across media and manufacturing, Hari Shanker began his career in 1996 and founded Industrial Business Mart in 2004. His entrepreneurial experience and close engagement with the industrial sector shaped his understanding of the need for dedicated business-to-business media. This vision eventually led to the development of Machine Maker, a platform committed to telling the stories of Indian manufacturers and supporting the growth of the manufacturing ecosystem.
The honour came at a significant time for the die casting industry, as the rapid expansion of electric vehicles and mobility technologies creates new opportunities for aluminium high-pressure die casting, particularly in motor housings, battery enclosures and structural components.
GDCTECH 2026 featured expert panel discussions, technical paper presentations, a Best Casting and Project Competition, an interactive quiz and an exhibition showcasing aluminium die casting technologies. The conference aimed to encourage knowledge sharing, technological advancement and collaboration across the industry.
The recognition of Hari Shanker underscores the growing importance of specialised industrial journalism in documenting innovation, promoting MSMEs and strengthening India’s manufacturing ambitions. Through its editorial initiatives, print publication, video programmes and industry events, Machine Maker continues to serve as a voice for India’s manufacturing community.
