Print Amrit Dhara: A Historic Celebration of Printing Excellence at NRIPT, Prayagraj

On June 22, 2025, the Offset Printers’ Association (OPA) hosted a landmark event, Print Amrit Dhara (Stream of Nectar), at the Northern Regional Institute of Printing Technology (NRIPT) in Prayagraj. This inspiring gathering brought together over 150 participants, including industry veterans, academicians, and aspiring students, to celebrate the transformative power of the printing industry. The event was graced by two iconic stalwarts, Vinay Baveja and Mohit Bhargava, whose journeys of grit, innovation, and leadership captivated the audience and set a new benchmark for industry-academia collaboration.

Print Amrit Dhara was more than a seminar; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with stories of resilience, innovation, and visionary leadership. The event provided a unique platform for dialogue between industry pioneers and the next generation of printing professionals, bridging the gap between experience and aspiration. The presence of distinguished guests, including Prof. (Dr) Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, and Prof. (Dr) Rajendrakumar Anayath, OSD Government of Haryana and former Vice Chancellor of DCRUST, Sonepat, added gravitas, underscoring the importance of fostering innovation and talent in the printing sector.

From Humble Beginnings to a Printing Powerhouse: Vinay Baveja, Director of VIBA Press Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, shared his remarkable journey from a trainee at Thomson Press to founding a state-of-the-art printing empire. A 1980 NRIPT diploma holder, Baveja’s career began with modest steps, working at Arun and Rajiv Press Pvt. Ltd. in Chandigarh and later managing the offset unit at Peco Printing Press. In 1995, he took a leap of faith to establish VIBA Press, which today spans 24,000 sq. ft. and boasts advanced machinery from Heidelberg, RMGT, Ryobi, and Komori. With a team of over 100, VIBA Press is a complete commercial printing setup, excelling in design, printing, and binding. In his address, Baveja inspired the audience with his words: “The path to success is not always linear; it’s filled with challenges that test your mettle. Dreams are not just for the night; they are the blueprint of your future. But without action, dreams remain mere illusions.” His journey resonated deeply with students, serving as a testament to how education, perseverance, and passion can transform dreams into legacies. He urged young minds to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth, leaving an indelible mark on attendees.

Carrying Forward a Century-Old Legacy: Mohit Bhargava, Managing Director of Bhargava Press, Prayagraj, shared his story of continuing a 100-year-old family legacy founded by his great-grandfather. A B.B.A. graduate, Bhargava’s passion for printing was ignited in childhood, watching his father’s dedication. For the past 25 years, he has led Bhargava Press to become one of Prayagraj’s leading printing units. Reflecting on his journey, he said: “Success is not about where you start; it’s about the determination to keep moving forward. Never underestimate the power of persistence—it can move mountains.” His words underscored the importance of resilience and vision in sustaining and growing a historic enterprise.

The event culminated in a heartfelt felicitation of Baveja and Bhargava by Prof. Srivastava and Prof. Anayath, symbolizing the industry’s gratitude for their contributions. Prof. Anayath, in his concluding remarks, highlighted the printing industry’s pivotal role in India’s economy, contributing over ₹90,000 crores annually and employing more than one million people. He emphasized, “Printing is not just about ink and paper; it is about innovation, adaptation, and creating value for the future. Technology is transforming our sector, and it’s up to us to lead this change with courage and conviction.”

Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, a key figure in the OPA, added, “Events like this are the lifeblood of progress. They create a space where dreams take root, ideas flourish, and the future begins to unfold. We are honoured to celebrate the visionaries who inspire us and pave the way for generations to come.”

Print Amrit Dhara was a celebration of the human spirit, showcasing the synergy between academia and industry. It highlighted the printing sector’s potential to innovate and thrive while fostering a dialogue that empowered attendees to dream big and act boldly. The event left an indelible impression, reinforcing that success is not just about personal triumphs but about building legacies that inspire and uplift others. As the printing industry continues to evolve, events like Print Amrit Dhara serve as a beacon, illuminating the path toward innovation, collaboration, and excellence. This historic gathering will be remembered as a turning point, propelling the printing sector to new heights and inspiring generations to come.