Nitish Kumar of GJUS&T Declared Best Printing Student of North India

The North Zone Grand Finale of the 7th Edition of the prestigious Manoj B. Mehta Print Olympiad 2026 was successfully organized by the Offset Press Association (OPA) and graciously hosted by the Department of Printing Technology at Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology (GJUS&T), Hisar on 10 April 2026. The programme began with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony and Saraswati Vandana, followed by the University Kulgeet, setting an inspiring and solemn tone for the occasion.

In her welcome address, Dr. Vandana Gupta, Chairperson, Department of Printing Technology, GJUS&T, Hisar, highlighted the significance of such competitive academic platforms in nurturing future professionals for the printing and packaging industry. She said, “Such events provide an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their talent, interact with industry experts, and develop the skills required to meet the challenges of the dynamic printing and packaging sector.”

Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, Project Chairman, Print Olympiad, introduced the mission and vision of the Offset Press Association (OPA) and elaborated on the objectives of the Print Olympiad. He said, “The Print Olympiad is committed to promoting academic excellence and industry-readiness among printing technology students. It serves as a powerful bridge between academia and industry, encouraging innovation, technical competence, and professional growth that will define the future of printing in India.”

Jaiveer Singh, President, Indian Printing, Packaging & Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (IPAMA), was the Guest of Honour. Appreciating the dedicated efforts of Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra and the OPA team, he lauded OPA for creating a national-level platform that bridges academia and industry. He encouraged the students and said, “I deeply appreciate the visionary efforts of Prof. Kamal Chopra and the Offset Press Association for building this outstanding platform. Students should strive relentlessly for excellence and innovation in the fast-evolving printing and packaging sector, which offers immense opportunities for growth and entrepreneurship.”
A distinguished jury panel comprising eminent academicians and industry experts evaluated the competition: Dr. Vandana Gupta, Chairperson, Department of Printing Technology, GJUS&T, Hisar, Anupam Gupta, Director, Kodvidya Academy of Computer Technology, Mr. K.B. Nagpal, Former Principal Scientist, CSIR, New Delhi, Hemant Kumar, Managing Director, Kraftman Packaging and Sonam Verma, HOD, Printing Technology, SITM, Rewari.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Narsi Ram Bishnoi, Vice Chancellor, GJUS&T, Hisar, delivered an inspiring address. He congratulated the organizers for hosting this prestigious academic event and declared the competition open. In his speech, Prof. Bishnoi emphasized that the Print Olympiad is not merely a competition but a celebration of knowledge, innovation, technical competence, and professional excellence in printing and packaging. He noted that the printing and packaging industry in India is undergoing unprecedented development and transformation — moving from traditional manufacturing to an advanced, technology-driven and innovation-led sector that now includes digital printing, security printing, functional printing, smart packaging, and Industry 4.0 concepts. He further highlighted that India’s packaging industry is among the fastest-growing in the world, driven by e-commerce, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, branded retail, and export-oriented manufacturing. Prof. Bishnoi urged students to embrace new technologies, automation, digitalization, sustainable materials, and creative problem-solving, stating that “the future belongs to those who innovate, adapt to change, and lead with excellence.” He praised the Department of Printing Technology, GJUS&T, for its leadership in print education, research, and industry collaboration.

In his address, Prof. Bishnoi also announced that the Offset Press Association (OPA) will organise the International Conference on “AI and Robotics: Revolutionizing Printing & Packaging” to be hosted by the GJUS&T at Hisar, during September 23-25, 2026.

Dr. Bijender Kaushik, Zonal Coordinator and Assistant Professor, presented a summary of Round 1 and distributed participation certificates to all eligible students along with merit certificates and mementos to the Top Four Printing Technology Students of the North Zone. The North Zone Finale Competition was then conducted as per the established norms of the 7th Edition of the Manoj B. Mehta Print Olympiad 2026 under the supervision of the expert jury.

During the valedictory session, host institutions and North Zone coordinators were felicitated for their valuable contributions. Ashvini Gupta, Co-Chairman, Print Olympiad, appreciated the high standard of student participation and the growing importance of the Olympiad in shaping the future of printing education in India.

The highlight of the event was the declaration of Nitish Kumar, B.Tech. Printing Technology, 3rd Year, GJUS&T, Hisar, as the Best Printing Student of North India for his outstanding performance. He received the winning certificate and memento jointly from Sh. Jaiveer Singh and Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra. Nitish Kumar is now eligible to participate in the Grand National Finale, to be held during All in Print China 2026 at Shanghai, China, from October 12–16, 2026.

The Department of Printing Technology, GJUS&T, Hisar, was awarded the trophy of Regional Institution of Excellence in recognition of its outstanding contribution to print education and successful hosting of the event. Department faculty and student volunteers were also felicitated. Dr. Bijender Kaushik delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, jury members, participants, faculty, and the entire organizing team. The Manoj B. Mehta Print Olympiad continues to serve as one of India’s most prestigious academic platforms for printing technology students, fostering technical knowledge, professional excellence, and stronger academia-industry collaboration in the printing and packaging sector. The programme concluded with the National Anthem.