Anurag Puri : Global-Minded Engineering Leader Redefining Manufacturing Excellence
Anurag Puri
Director
A firm and clear-minded individual who stands tall in this industry is Anurag Puri, Director of Shram Engineering Works, whose journey reflects a thoughtful balance of learning as well as purpose-driven leadership.
Anurag has built his professional journey on a commitment to growth and adapt ability.
Beginning his journey at Vellore Institute of Technology, he went beyond academics to gain hands-on leadership experience via bigscale cultural and technical fests like Riviera and Gravitas.
Additionally, he was an international representative of VIT with Team Ojas at the Silverstone Circuit through an innovative electric Formula Student car.
Further education abroad broadened his worldview, which was strengthened by his early professional experience in Chicago with Immersive Touch, a healthcare techno -logy firm.
Anurag’s return to India was a turning point as he assumed the leadership of Shram Engineering Works, a family business with a rich history in the industry.
Looking forward, he is determined to transform Shram Engineering Works into a world-class engineering and manufacturing brand, as well as being an inspirational leader to embody the values of lifelong learning, honesty, and fruitful teamwork.
Established in 1985 and based in Faridabad, Haryana, Shram Engineering Works is an engineering firm specializing in precision automotive components and fabrication of Special Purpose Machines (SPMs) for infrastructure projects.
Renowned for its high-quality sheet metal products, welded assemblies, and advanced CNC-machined parts, the company has also played a pivotal role over four decades in landmark initiatives such as the Atal Tunnel on Rohtang Highway, Udhampur Srinagar-Baramulla rail link, DRDO projects, and recently India’s first high-speed rail corridor tunnel in Mumbai.
In conversation with CEO Insights, Anurag talks about his journey, expertise and much more.
How has your education and early professional experience shaped your leadership journey so far?
My professional journey has been shaped by a constant drive
to learn, adapt, and lead. Starting at VIT, I immersed myself not only in academics but also in large-scale cultural and technical festivals, which taught me the importance of collaboration and resilience. Pursuing further education abroad expanded my perspective, exposing me to global practices and diverse ways of thinking.
After completing my education, I began my career in Chicago with Immersive Touch. Working there exposed me to a fast-paced environment where technology directly impacted lives, and it taught me the importance of precision, innovation, and user-centric solutions.
That experience became the foundation for my transition back to India, where I took on the responsibility of leading Shram Engineering Works, a legacy organization with decades of history.
How did VIT shape your career journey?
VIT was a turning point in my life. Beyond academics, the large-scale cultural and technical festivals, Riviera and Gravitas, were transformative. Organizing events for thousands of students taught me project management, teamwork, and adaptability. Those experiences shaped my ability to thrive in dynamic environments and prepared me for the challenges of industry.
One of the strengths of VIT was the accessibility of its faculty. Professors were approachable and invested in students’ growth. Whether it was technical guidance, mentorship during cultural fests, or career advice, they were always available.
Finally, as a student, the alumni network provided mentorship and career insights, especially during internships and placements. After graduation, I’ve leveraged it for professional collaborations and industry connections, ensuring that the bond with VIT continues to enrich my career trajectory.
How did Team Ojas and the Formula Student project shape your mindset as an engineer?
One of the most defining memories from my time at VIT was being part of Team Ojas, the Formula Student team.
We had the incredible opportunity to represent VIT at the Silver stone Circuit in the UK, competing against some of the best student engineering teams in the world.
What made our journey truly special was that we built a fully electric Formula Student car, when most teams were still focused on internal combustion engines.
The project demanded immense dedication, technical innovation, and teamwork. VIT played a crucial role in guiding us, providing the support and freedom to pursue such an ambitious endeavor.
Describe your leadership style. What guidelines do you follow as a leader?
My leadership style is collaborative yet structured, allowing me to strike a balance between discipline and flexibility.
After completing my education, I began my career in Chicago with Immersive Touch. Working there exposed me to a fast-paced environment where technology directly impacted lives, and it taught me the importance of precision, innovation, and user-centric solutions.
That experience became the foundation for my transition back to India, where I took on the responsibility of leading Shram Engineering Works, a legacy organization with decades of history.
How did VIT shape your career journey?
VIT was a turning point in my life. Beyond academics, the large-scale cultural and technical festivals, Riviera and Gravitas, were transformative. Organizing events for thousands of students taught me project management, teamwork, and adaptability. Those experiences shaped my ability to thrive in dynamic environments and prepared me for the challenges of industry.
One of the strengths of VIT was the accessibility of its faculty. Professors were approachable and invested in students’ growth. Whether it was technical guidance, mentorship during cultural fests, or career advice, they were always available.
Finally, as a student, the alumni network provided mentorship and career insights, especially during internships and placements. After graduation, I’ve leveraged it for professional collaborations and industry connections, ensuring that the bond with VIT continues to enrich my career trajectory.
How did Team Ojas and the Formula Student project shape your mindset as an engineer?
One of the most defining memories from my time at VIT was being part of Team Ojas, the Formula Student team.
We had the incredible opportunity to represent VIT at the Silver stone Circuit in the UK, competing against some of the best student engineering teams in the world.
What made our journey truly special was that we built a fully electric Formula Student car, when most teams were still focused on internal combustion engines.
The project demanded immense dedication, technical innovation, and teamwork. VIT played a crucial role in guiding us, providing the support and freedom to pursue such an ambitious endeavor.
Describe your leadership style. What guidelines do you follow as a leader?
My leadership style is collaborative yet structured, allowing me to strike a balance between discipline and flexibility.
For me, leadership is not just about metrics and outcomes, but about creating an environment where people feel valued, motivated, and aligned.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
My vision is to scale Shram Engineering Works into a globally recognized and respected name in the field of engineering and manufacturing solutions.
Having already built a strong and credible reputation within India, supported by consistent performance, technical expertise, and client trust, we have also successfully executed and delivered projects across international markets such as Singapore and Australia.
These experiences have strengthened our global outlook and reinforced our capabilities to operate at international standards.
The next strategic destination is to firmly cement our presence on the global stage by expanding into new markets, forging long-term international partnerships, and positioning Shram Engineering Works as a reliable, innovative and quality driven global engineering partner.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the field?
My advice to aspiring leaders is simple: never stop learning. Stay curious, embrace new technologies, and balance technical expertise with soft skills, communication and empathy are just as critical.
Build and leverage networks, because mentorship and collaboration open doors. And above all, lead by example. Integrity and consistency inspire teams more than words ever can.
Anurag Puri, Director, Shram Engineering Works
Anurag Puri is the Director of Shram Engineering Works, driving a legacy manufacturing enterprise toward global growth through technology and people-centric leadership.
An alumnus of Vellore Institute of Technology, his formative years were marked by hands-on leadership through major cultural and technical festivals and representing VIT internationally with Team Ojas at the Formula Student competition at Silverstone Circuit.
•Hobbies and Favourite Pastimes: I enjoy F1, cricket, football, traveling, and staying active-hobbies that keep me curious.
•Favourite Travel Destinations: Chicago
•Food Preferences: Thai and Mexican
•Favourite Book: The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
•Awards & Recognition: Recognized as the Top 10 Auto Components Manufacturers from Haryana in 2024; Recognized by Larsen and Toubro for our pivotal contribution in completion of INDIA’S LONGEST RAIL TUNNEL in the Himalayas.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
My vision is to scale Shram Engineering Works into a globally recognized and respected name in the field of engineering and manufacturing solutions.
Having already built a strong and credible reputation within India, supported by consistent performance, technical expertise, and client trust, we have also successfully executed and delivered projects across international markets such as Singapore and Australia.
These experiences have strengthened our global outlook and reinforced our capabilities to operate at international standards.
The next strategic destination is to firmly cement our presence on the global stage by expanding into new markets, forging long-term international partnerships, and positioning Shram Engineering Works as a reliable, innovative and quality driven global engineering partner.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the field?
My advice to aspiring leaders is simple: never stop learning. Stay curious, embrace new technologies, and balance technical expertise with soft skills, communication and empathy are just as critical.
Build and leverage networks, because mentorship and collaboration open doors. And above all, lead by example. Integrity and consistency inspire teams more than words ever can.
Anurag Puri, Director, Shram Engineering Works
Anurag Puri is the Director of Shram Engineering Works, driving a legacy manufacturing enterprise toward global growth through technology and people-centric leadership.
An alumnus of Vellore Institute of Technology, his formative years were marked by hands-on leadership through major cultural and technical festivals and representing VIT internationally with Team Ojas at the Formula Student competition at Silverstone Circuit.
•Hobbies and Favourite Pastimes: I enjoy F1, cricket, football, traveling, and staying active-hobbies that keep me curious.
•Favourite Travel Destinations: Chicago
•Food Preferences: Thai and Mexican
•Favourite Book: The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
•Awards & Recognition: Recognized as the Top 10 Auto Components Manufacturers from Haryana in 2024; Recognized by Larsen and Toubro for our pivotal contribution in completion of INDIA’S LONGEST RAIL TUNNEL in the Himalayas.