Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, organized a special outreach programme titled “Manak Carnival and Quality Walk” on 30 October 2025 (Thursday) at the T. P. Ganesan Auditorium, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai as part of the World Standards Day 2025 celebrations.
The event was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. M. Leenus Jesu Martin, Dean, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, SRMIST (SRM Institute of Science & Technology), who also administered the Quality Pledge to the participants. In his address, he emphasized the importance of standards in ensuring safety, reliability, and consumer trust, especially in products used in daily life. He urged the public to use certified products such as helmets, gas stoves, pressure cookers, and electronic goods like mobile phones and chargers, which conform to Indian Standards and are tested for quality and safety. He cautioned consumers against purchasing non-certified or low-quality products merely for lower prices, highlighting that “certified products undergo rigorous testing and evaluation, ensuring they meet prescribed safety and performance parameters and can be trusted for regular use.”
Delivering the introductory remarks, Shri S. D. Dayanand, Scientist-F / Senior Director & Head, BIS Chennai, highlighted the role of BIS in strengthening India’s quality ecosystem through standardization, certification, and consumer empowerment. He noted that initiatives such as the Manak Carnival and Quality Walk are designed to engage the youth and student community in the culture of quality and standardization. Emphasizing the importance of digital accessibility, he also spoke about the BIS CARE mobile app, which enables consumers and students to verify the authenticity of BIS-certified products, check hallmarking details on gold and silver jewellery, and register complaints regarding product quality. “BIS believes that quality consciousness should begin early,” he said. “Through our outreach in schools, colleges, and Standards Clubs, and through digital tools like the BIS CARE App, we aim to build awareness about standards as enablers of safety, innovation, and sustainability. Students are the torchbearers of tomorrow’s quality-driven India, and our goal is to equip them with the understanding needed to make informed, responsible choices.”
The programme featured a Quality Walk, symbolizing the collective journey toward a standards-driven society. Students, faculty members, BIS officials, and stakeholders actively participated with great enthusiasm, showcasing the importance of using BIS-certified and quality-assured products, and demonstrating how adherence to standards contributes to safety, trust, and sustainable growth. This was followed by the inauguration of the Manak Carnival, which featured interactive exhibits, awareness activities, and demonstrations on product quality, safety, and certification.
Several reputed organizations and departments, including the Department of Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles & Khadi, Government of Tamil Nadu, Apollo Tyres Ltd., Appasamy Associates Private Limited, Ergoofis India Pvt. Ltd., ESAB India Limited, Funskool (India) Ltd., Jai Balaji Control Gears Pvt. Ltd., Kraft Zone, Lehry Industries P. Ltd., LLM Appliances Private Limited, Master Page, Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd., The Ramco Cements Limited, and Wheels India Limited, set up stalls to display their certified products and share insights into their quality assurance practices.
The event also witnessed active participation from students of SRM Institute of Science and Technology and other educational institutions in competitions such as Quiz on Standards,
Poster Design, Logo Competition, Debate on Standards, Project Expo, and Standard Presentation. These activities encouraged creativity and a deeper understanding of how standards contribute to quality, safety, and sustainable development. In addition, students participated in fun games themed around quality, aimed at promoting teamwork and reinforcing the importance of fostering a culture of quality through the process of standardization. Prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners in recognition of their creativity, performance, and active participation.
The programme concluded with appreciation for the partner institutions, participating industries, and volunteers whose efforts contributed to the success of the celebration. The Manak Carnival reaffirmed BIS’s commitment to promoting a culture of quality and building a standards-oriented society through active participation, education, and collaboration.