A Report on an Experiential Learning Initiative under Poornarambha – MBA Orientation Programme
Date: 17 October 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Venue: Udaya Kitchencrafts Private Limited, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka
As part of Poornarambha, the MBA Orientation Programme at Poornaprajna Institute of Management (PIM), an industrial visit to Udaya Kitchencrafts Private Limited, Manipal, was organised on 17 October 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The initiative was jointly organised by Poornakaash – Training and Placement Cell, Phronesis – HR Forum, and the PIM Alumni Association, with the objective of providing newly admitted MBA students with practical exposure to industrial operations and business processes.
Udaya Kitchencrafts Private Limited is a prominent cookware manufacturing and retail enterprise headquartered in Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka. During the visit, students were taken on a guided tour of the manufacturing plant, where they observed the various stages involved in the production of kitchen utensils. The visit provided valuable insights into manufacturing operations, production processes, and the practical aspects of managing an industrial enterprise.
Throughout the tour, Ms. Akshatha, HR Representative at Udaya Kitchencrafts Private Limited, accompanied the students and explained the various processes in detail. She patiently addressed the numerous questions raised by the students, making the visit interactive and informative. The students displayed keen interest in understanding the functioning of the enterprise and actively engaged in discussions about its business processes. This hands-on exposure helped them connect classroom concepts with real-world industrial practices and gain a better understanding of organisational operations.
The students were accompanied by Prof. Shivanand Bhandarkar, Faculty Coordinator of the Training and Placement Cell; Prof. Venkatesh Shetty, Faculty Coordinator of Phronesis – HR Forum; Dr. Diana Saldanha, Faculty Coordinator of the PIM Alumni Association; and Prof. P. Kodancha, Senior Faculty Member at PIM.
The visit was made particularly meaningful by the association of Mr. Umesh Bhadya, CEO of Udaya Kitchencrafts Private Limited and Vice President of the PIM Alumni Association, who is an alumnus of the institute. Despite being out of station, he graciously permitted the visit and ensured that all necessary arrangements were made to welcome and accommodate the visiting team. His support exemplified the strong relationship between PIM and its alumni and highlighted the important role alumni play in facilitating industry–academia interaction.
At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. Diana Saldanha expressed her sincere gratitude to Mr. Umesh Bhadya for facilitating the visit and to Ms. Akshatha for her guidance and support throughout the tour. She also thanked the Director of PIM, Dr. P. S. Aithal, Academic Coordinator Dr. Bharathi Karanth, and all faculty members, staff, and students who contributed to the successful organisation of the programme.
The industrial visit was an enriching experience for the newly admitted MBA students. It provided firsthand exposure to manufacturing operations, encouraged curiosity and interaction with industry professionals, and reinforced the importance of experiential learning in management education.
The visit concluded at 12:00 noon, marking a productive and engaging morning for the students. The initiative served as a promising beginning to the new academic year, setting a positive tone for the MBA programme by integrating academic learning with industry exposure and strengthening PIM’s engagement with its alumni network.
