From Curious Child to Engineer: How My Father’s Passion Inspires the Next Generation ??

What if the best classroom isn't confined by walls, but extends to the factory floor also? ??

Traditional classroom learning is essential, but it's the hands-on experiences that teach us how to do things right. When you blend experience with technical knowledge, you unlock the potential to do things optimally—perfectly. This is the foundation of my journey, deeply rooted in the values my father instilled in me.

Growing up, the rhythmic hum of machines and the earthy scent of fresh cement were as familiar to me as the pages of my schoolbooks. ?? My father would take me to our factory, Surya Cement Pipe Industries, where each visit was a new chapter in a living textbook. Classroom theories came alive on that factory floor; it's where I learned not just how to do things, but how to do them right—and eventually, how to do them optimally. ???

My father, Tarun Dhanote is more than just a businessman; he's an innovator at heart. ?? Constantly seeking new technologies to improve efficiency, he never hesitates to experiment or develop custom machines to tackle unique challenges. Watching him, I absorbed not just the mechanics of the industry but also a passion for hands-on innovation. This passion led me to become a mechanical engineer and propelled me toward a path of exploration and discovery.

In my final year of undergraduate studies, I had already settled on a project with my professor when a friend approached me with an unexpected proposition.

"Do you want to build a rocket?" ?? he asked.

Without a second thought, I agreed. The prospect of diving into a hands-on project that pushed the boundaries of what we knew was irresistible. That decision opened doors I hadn't even imagined—presenting our project at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory of DRDO in Chandigarh and securing an internship opportunity at DRDL, DRDO Hyderabad. It was a testament to the power of stepping beyond conventional learning and embracing real-world experiences.

A Classroom Beyond Walls ??

Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a group of students from Bapna Public School, classes 7 through 9, for an industry visit. The day was scorching, the sun beating down relentlessly on the factory grounds. ?? The students arrived in their crisp uniforms, some visibly wilting under the heat, others sipping water to stay hydrated. At first glance, a few seemed indifferent, hanging back as though unsure of what to expect.

Sensing this, I decided to try an experiment. I approached a cluster of students and shared some questions with them.

"Go on, ask him this." ??

They hesitated but eventually made their way to my father. As they approached, his eyes lit up.

"I'm your friend!" ?? he exclaimed warmly. "Ask me anything. The more questions you ask, the more fun this will be!"

With that simple invitation, the atmosphere shifted. My father began explaining the intricacies of our operations—from quality testing to material strength—in a way that was engaging and accessible. He delved into how we design custom pipe unloading mechanisms for trucks locally to boost efficiency and ease the process, embodying his relentless pursuit of innovation.

It was at that moment I realized something powerful—sometimes, all it takes to spark interest is encouragement to ask a question.

A Young Girl's Curiosity & The Science of Strength ??

Among the young minds, an 8th-grade girl stood out. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she fired off question after question, mirroring the same eagerness I had felt as a child.

"Sir, how do RCC pipes get their strength?" she inquired.

"It's all about the right mix of cement, aggregates, and water —like cooking the perfect recipe plus the Steel cage to hold the concert together," ?? my father explained.

She pondered for a moment before probing deeper. "How do you ensure the steel stays inside the concrete when the pipe is molded?"

My father beamed at her insightful question. "We start by making a metal cage from mild steel wire using a cage-making machine. This cage is slightly smaller than the outer diameter and larger than the inner diameter of the pipe. When we mold the pipe, the cage becomes embedded within the concrete, providing reinforcement from within."

I watched as she connected the dots, visualizing the process. At that moment, I realized the profound impact of experiential learning. She wasn't just memorizing facts; she was understanding concepts.

Explaining Cement Through the Language of Farmers ????

Many of the students came from farming families, so when the discussion turned to the types of cement used, my father instinctively switched to an analogy they could relate to.

"Think of cement like the grains you use on your farm," he said. "Just as different crops serve different purposes, we use different types of cement—OPC and PPC—for specific needs. OPC is like a fast-growing crop ??, setting quickly and used for high-strength applications ??. PPC, on the other hand, is like a sustainable crop ??, curing slower but offering long-term durability ???."

"Analogies like this are one of the best ways to learn and remember things."

Math Meets Manufacturing: Engaging Young Minds with Real-World Problems ????

As we guided the students through the factory, a curious seventh-grader pointed to the massive tanks where our pipes were submerged.

"Sir, why do you put the pipes in water tanks?" he asked.

"To cure them," my father replied.

"How many days do you cure them?"

"Twenty days."

Another student chimed in, "Why not just water them? Wouldn't that save space?"

My father smiled. "Great question! Watering each pipe daily would require a lot of manpower. ?? By immersing them, we ensure consistent curing with less labor."

"How much water do the tanks hold?" a third student wondered.

Seizing the moment, I jumped in. "Let's do an activity! The tank measures 5?ft × 115?ft × 35?ft, and one cubic foot holds 28 liters. Who can calculate the total volume?" ??

They huddled together, excitement bubbling as they did the math. Their faces lit up ? when they realized the tanks held the equivalent of 186 water containers, each with a capacity of 3,000 liters. ??

Lessons Beyond the Factory Floor ??

The tour that was supposed to last an hour stretched into two, but no one seemed to mind—not the students, not my father, and certainly not me. The initial indifference had given way to vibrant engagement. The heat was forgotten, replaced by an infectious energy that radiated from both the students and my father.

As we wrapped up, we treated the students to samosas and jalebis—a sweet reward for their enthusiasm and curiosity. ??? They thanked my father profusely.

"We're studying science, and this visit made it come alive!" one of them exclaimed. "We'll share this with our friends and ask our school to arrange more industry visits. We'd love to come back and learn even more!"

I stood back, watching my father in his element. At 60 years old, his passion for teaching and innovation showed no signs of waning. His joy wasn't just in explaining technical processes—it was in igniting that spark of curiosity, nurturing young minds to ask why and how.

A Future Shaped by Curiosity ??

As the students boarded their bus, still buzzing with excitement, a thought lingered with me. What if every industry took this initiative? What if more businesses opened their doors and turned their workplaces into interactive classrooms?

Imagine the future we could build—a future where the lines between education and industry blur, where learning is a continuous, hands-on journey. A future where young minds aren't confined to textbooks but are encouraged to see, touch, and understand the real world.

I inherited more than just a business from my father; I inherited a legacy of curiosity and innovation. It’s a legacy that propelled me to take risks, to say yes to building rockets, and to believe in the power of experiential learning.

Will We Take That Step? ??

I invite you to ponder this with me. Have you ever visited a factory or industry? How did that experience change or help you? ??

Let's start a conversation. Share your stories, your ideas, your passion. Together, we can inspire more industries to open their doors, ignite curiosity, and shape a future where learning knows no bounds.

If this story resonated with you, please share it with others. Let's spread the word and encourage more hands-on learning experiences. ??

#Education #Curiosity #IndustryVisits #STEM #Innovation #Manufacturing #MSME #Learningbeyondclasroom