Nikhil Yadav Honoured with Prestigious T. Prasad Memorial Gold Medal for Excellence in Printing Technology

In a ceremony that celebrated innovation, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of a visionary educator, Nikhil Yadav was awarded the coveted T. Prasad Memorial Gold Medal as the 'Student of the Year' at the Northern Regional Institute of Printing Technology (NRIPT). The 4th edition of the annual T. Prasad Memorial Print Competition, held in June 2025, culminated in this prestigious recognition, underscoring the institute's commitment to nurturing the next generation of printing professionals.

Organized by the Offset Printers' Association (OPA), the competition pays homage to the late Shri Tarkeshwar Prasad Ji (1936–2022), a pioneering print educator, mentor, and former Principal of NRIPT. A trailblazer who graduated from NRIPT's inaugural class in 1959 and later transformed the institute through his visionary leadership from 1982 to 1993, Shri Prasad's influence extended far beyond academia. His contributions to modernizing government and university printing presses, coupled with his role as a Lieutenant and NCC Commander, continue to inspire excellence in the Indian printing and packaging sector.

The rigorous competition, exclusive to NRIPT students, challenges participants to transcend textbooks and embrace cutting-edge developments. It begins with multiple-choice rounds, progressing to an intense final oral segment where finalists deliver impromptu speeches on topics drawn from a pre-shared set of 50, testing knowledge, creativity, and quick thinking. As the triumphant winner, Nikhil Yadav not only claimed the gold medal but also received a cash prize of INR 25,000, fostering the spirit of relentless pursuit that Shri Prasad embodied.
The medal presentation took place on November 7, 2025, during the Silver Pioneer Alumni Meet at the NRIPT campus. Prof. Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, graciously bestowed the medal upon Yadav. Mr. Deepak Walia, Managing Director of Manroland Sheetfed, presented the cheque on behalf of the NIPA Educational Trust. The presentation ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, Mr. Anubhava Shiksharthi, and Mr. Rakesh Tiwari, acting Principal of NRIPT.

Expressing profound gratitude, Nikhil Yadav shared, "Receiving the T. Prasad Memorial Gold Medal is not just an honour but a profound blessing that reaffirms my dedication to the field of printing technology. I am deeply thankful to the Offset Printers' Association, the esteemed jury, and the NRIPT faculty for this opportunity. Shri Tarkeshwar Prasad Ji's legacy of perseverance—teaching us that failure is merely a stepping stone to triumph—has been my guiding light. This award motivates me to innovate and contribute meaningfully to India's printing industry, carrying forward his vision with unwavering resolve."

Yadav joins an illustrious lineage of winners: Vinayak Ji (2022), Anjali Rao (2023), and Aparna Mishra (2024), each embodying the competition's ethos of excellence through heart-driven effort. Established in 1988, the Offset Printers' Association (OPA) is India's most active printers' community, dedicated to advancing print education and talent recognition. With open membership for printing and packaging companies nationwide, OPA champions global standards of innovation.