The Profile of the President
MANISH MAHENDRA KOTHARICell: 9422247911; Email: mmkotharister@gmail.com; Location:Nashik
President, The Institution of Engineers (India) – Session 2025–2026
Er. Manish Mahendra Kothari, a distinguished Engineer, seasoned industrialist, and visionary institutional leader, was elected as the President of The Institution of Engineers (India) for the Session 2025–2026 during the 731st Meeting of the Council held at Kolkata on 4 October 2025. He will formally assume the office of the President at the 106th Annual General Meeting of IEI to be held on 21 December 2025 at Durgapur during the 40th Indian Engineering Congress. His elevation to the highest office of IEI reflects his decades of dedicated service to the engineering profession, marked by innovation, inclusiveness, and transformational leadership.
Academic and Professional Credentials
Er. Kothari holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pune University (1993) and an Advanced Diploma in Industrial Safety (ADIS). He is a Fellow of The Institution of Engineers (India) and a Chartered Engineer recognized by the Government of India. His professional accreditations further include being a Government-approved Valuer, a Certified Safety Auditor, and an Authorized Competent Person under the Factories Act. In addition, he serves as an Empanelled Chartered Engineer with the Customs Department, providing expert consultancy in valuation, safety, and industrial compliance. His academic foundation, combined with his practical acumen, has established him as a leading authority in the domains of industrial safety, aerospace manufacturing, and engineering governance.
Professional Journey and Industrial Contributions
With a professional career spanning more than thirty-five years, Er. Kothari has harmoniously blended engineering expertise with entrepreneurial excellence. He is the Director of Maharashtra Pipes & Allied Industries, Nashik, a reputed ancillary unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) engaged in the manufacture of Ground Handling and Ground Support Equipment (GHE/GSE) and precision components for fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Under his leadership, the company has earned recognition for engineering precision, technological advancement, and adherence to rigorous quality standards.
He also serves as Director of Pushkar Enterprises, a leading enterprise in material-handling systems and wind-operated ventilation technologies, contributing significantly to sustainable industrial design. Through these ventures, Er. Kothari has demonstrated his commitment to promoting indigenous manufacturing, operational efficiency, and safety excellence. His work in the industrial sector exemplifies his philosophy that engineering must not only serve industry but also safeguard lives, processes, and the environment.
Association with The Institution of Engineers (India)
Er. Kothari’s association with The Institution of Engineers (India) extends over three decades and stands as a model of consistent and progressive leadership. Beginning as a Corporate Member in 1995, he steadily rose through the ranks—serving the Nashik Local Centre as Committee Member, Joint Secretary, Secretary, and later as Chairman—where he played a pivotal role in strengthening professional activities and member engagement. His leadership subsequently extended to the Council of IEI, where he served with distinction for multiple terms.
At the national level, Er. Kothari has served on almost all major committees of the Institution, including the Finance Committee, Membership Committee, Standing Committee on Headquarters Management (SHMC), Bye-Laws Committee, Institutional and Industrial Excellence Awards Committee, and the Safety and Quality Forum. As Chairman of the Finance Committee, he spearheaded process reforms, strengthened internal financial controls, and introduced transparency in budgeting and fiscal monitoring. As Lead of the Membership Committee, he pioneered the online membership application platform, the first of its kind within IEI, which revolutionized the enrolment process and enabled year-on-year growth in corporate membership. His strategic vision also led to the establishment of Memoranda of Understanding with leading financial institutions, insurance providers, and automobile manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Kia, thereby enhancing the professional and financial benefits available to IEI members.
Leadership Beyond IEI
Beyond his contributions to IEI, Er. Kothari has played a transformative role in India’s industrial ecosystem. As Chairman of the Nasik Engineering Cluster, a flagship project of the Government of India under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), he successfully guided an investment of ₹250 crore—the only project of its kind in the country to achieve complete and sustainable implementation. His leadership enabled numerous startups and MSMEs to secure over ₹50 crore in funding and adopt advanced technologies for manufacturing excellence.
As President of the Nasik Industries Manufacturers’ Association, representing over 7,000 MSME and large-scale industrial units, Er. Kothari has been instrumental in fostering industrial growth, infrastructure development, and policy advocacy. He also serves as Director of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, where he actively works towards strengthening collaboration among industry, academia, and government. His presence on the Governing Councils of several engineering institutions reflects his dedication to aligning academic curricula with industry requirements and promoting innovation-driven education.
Vision and Philosophy
Er. Kothari is a family-oriented, value-driven leader whose professional life is guided by integrity, discipline, and service to society. He is the son of Er. MahendraRatanlal Kothari, an eminent electrical engineer and certified Professional Engineer, who has dedicated several decades to the service of the Institution and notably held the office of Vice President of IEI during the 2022–23 Session. He is the proud father of three children, excelling in diverse fields such as Food Engineering, Robotics, and Fashion Design, symbolizing his belief in holistic education and interdisciplinary excellence. His vision for IEI is anchored in digital transformation, financial sustainability, and member-centric governance. He advocates for a transparent and responsive institutional framework that promotes professional growth, strengthens industry partnerships, and ensures that engineering continues to serve as a catalyst for national development.
Legacy and Outlook
Er. Manish Mahendra Kothari embodies the ideals of professional excellence, visionary leadership, and national commitment. His presidency marks a decisive step forward in IEI’s journey towards modernization, accountability, and global engagement. Under his stewardship, The Institution of Engineers (India) is poised to reinforce its role as the premier multidisciplinary professional body of engineers, advancing the cause of engineering education, research, and innovation for the progress of the nation.