A book titled “How I Built It—Six Decades of Manufacturing Wisdom and Innovations”, authored by veteran entrepreneur and industry leader Manohar Rao Vangoori, was released by Dr B V R Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman of Cyient, at a ceremony held at a private hotel in Banjara Hills. The release coincided with Mr Rao’s 85th birthday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Mohan Reddy congratulated Mr Rao on the launch of the memoir and shared his personal reflections on their five-decade-long association.He recalled beginning his career under Mr Rao’s mentorship in 1974, describing him as his first reporting boss and a person who embodied hard work, precision, and integrity. Over time, their professional relationship transformed into a deep personal bond.
Dr Reddy recounted a turning point in his entrepreneurial journey in 2000, when Mr Rao introduced him to aerospace giant Pratt & Whitney—a connection that later led to a multi-million-dollar partnership.Describing the memoir as a masterclass in innovation, resilience, and leadership, he urged everyone to read the book. He emphasised the importance of building on Mr. Rao’s legacy as India aims to become a developed nation by 2047, calling for advancements in technology, skilling, and manufacturing.
In his speech, Mr Manohar Rao shared key milestones from his six-decade journey, starting from his early days at HEC Ranchi and HAL, to establishing Jaisara Tooling Systems, a globally recognized aerospace tooling company. He emphasised that innovation has always been the core of his work culture, empowering employees to improve and invent from day one.
Recounting a landmark USD 1 million order from Pratt & Whitney Power Systems, he narrated how his team overcame material shortages and technical challenges using a novel segmental construction method. The delivery, achieved with microns of precision, earned global recognition and paved the way for repeat orders from leading aerospace companies.
Mr Rao acknowledged his longtime colleague Mr Raju for his craftsmanship and dedication, and credited his success to the support of his team, family, and especially his late wife Shobarani. He also appreciated his granddaughter Kavita for assisting in drafting parts of the book.
Reflecting on his “Make in India, Make for the World” vision long before it became a national campaign, Mr Rao shared how his tools are used globally in major engine platforms like the PW4000 and CFM. He also spoke about achieving financial independence by creating 13 sources of income within 15 days and proudly noted that he has never faced a tax inquiry in 50 years, thanks to sound financial practices.
Dr Ramesh Datla, CMD of ELICO Limited, praised Mr Rao as a visionary who embraced precision engineering and perfection, citing a personal experience where Mr Rao delivered a one-micron accuracy component when no one else could.Former GSK Consumer Healthcare Chairman Dwarakanath Pattnam described the book as more than a memoir — “a legacy built with heart, head, and purpose.” He lauded Mr. Rao’s humility, curiosity, and resilience, calling him a mentor and role model.
Other speakers included aerospace consultant Karthikeyan, Gunneswara Pursarla (CFO, MTAR Technologies), and chartered accountant Kamal Rathi, who also praised Mr Rao’s immense contribution to Indian manufacturing.In How I Built It, Mr Vangoori traces his journey from post-Independence India through a career marked by grit, innovation, and entrepreneurship. From a modest background to establishing a globally respected tooling enterprise, the book captures not only the evolution of Indian manufacturing but also a deeply personal narrative of values, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.(UNI)
