Offset Printers' Association Honors Top Print Student with Prestigious B.R. Chowdhri Memorial Award

Ludhiana, December 25, 2025: The Offset Printers' Association (OPA) celebrated excellence in print education by presenting the B.R. Chowdhri Memorial Gold Medal and a cheque of ₹25,000 to C. Harshavardhan, a final-year student in the Printing and Packaging program at the Central University of Haryana (CUH) in Mahendragarh.

The award was conferred during OPA's Annual General Meeting at the opulent Scarlett Hall of Nirvana Luxury Hotel at Ludhiana. Harshavardhan clinched the top spot unanimously in OPA's competitive print showcase held on November 11, 2025, at CUH, earning him the esteemed title of "CUH Print Student of the Year 2025." This accolade, instituted by OPA in tribute to B.R. Chowdhri—a trailblazing figure in Indian printing education—highlights innovation and skill in the field. The cash prize is generously supported by the NIPA Educational Trust.

In his congratulatory address at the ceremony, Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, a distinguished print personality, emphasized the association's commitment: "At OPA, we view it as our sacred duty not only to nurture talented students but also to champion print education and inspire the youth to embrace printing as a rewarding career." Reflecting on the award's namesake, Prof. Chopra honoured the late B.R. Chowdhri (1938–2024), a visionary post-press educator at the Northern Regional Institute of Printing Technology (NRIPT) in Prayagraj, whose mentorship forged generations of industry leaders. He added, "OPA remains steadfast in advancing printing education and recognizing talent, offering membership to printing and packaging firms nationwide while championing global innovation and excellence. I urge students to face challenges boldly—every obstacle holds the promise of triumph. True excellence is forged through unwavering perseverance and resolve, virtues embodied by Shri B.R. Chowdhri and now alive in our emerging trailblazers."

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Harshavardhan shared, "This recognition from OPA is far more than a badge of honour. Since the announcement, I've been flooded with job opportunities and inquiries from across the industry. What's even more heartening is that my classmates are also reaping the benefits—social media buzz around the competition has sparked placement calls from various organizations for several of us." OPA's initiative underscores its ongoing mission to bridge academia and industry, fostering the next wave of print professionals in India.