PrintStar 2026: Priya Kumari of GP Patna-7 Crowned Winner of the Prestigious T Prasad Memorial Gold Medal

In a splendid celebration of youthful brilliance and technical mastery, the fifth edition of the T Prasad Memorial Gold Medal competition for 2026—exclusively open to Certificate and Diploma-level students of printing from across India—reached a glorious climax today at the Northern Regional Institute of Printing Technology (NRIPT). This coveted national honour, the brainchild of the visionary Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, was hosted with exemplary dedication and meticulous organisation by the Offset Printers Association (OPA). The event was elevated to greater heights by the distinguished presence of Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Keshav Prasad Maurya, as Chief Guest, and Prof. Sanjay Srivastava as Guest of Honour.

Under the dynamic and far-sighted leadership of Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, the Offset Printers Association has once again demonstrated its extraordinary commitment to nurturing young talent and elevating the standards of the Indian printing industry. Through years of dedicated effort, OPA has transformed the T Prasad Memorial Gold Medal into one of the most respected and eagerly awaited platforms for aspiring printing technologists in the country—an initiative that seamlessly bridges academia and industry while inspiring excellence across regional boundaries. Now in its fifth successful edition, this prestigious competition stands as a shining testament to Prof. Chopra’s pioneering vision and OPA’s unwavering pursuit of excellence.

A total of 23 outstanding students, nominated by 12 premier institutions representing all four zones of the nation, participated in this rigorous multi-level contest. West India led the participation with 12 students from six institutes, followed by five students from three North Indian institutes, and four students each from the South and East zones (two institutions apiece). After an intensely competitive preliminary round, five finalists advanced to the oral stage:
•    Ankit Santosh Gupta (GIPT, Mumbai)
•    Biten Sarkar (RIPT, Kolkata)
•    Niraj Kumar (GP, Patna-7)
•    Priya Kumari (GP, Patna-7)
•    Utkarsh Sharma (GP, Chandausi)

In the final oral round, each contestant delivered an impressive extempore speech of at least five minutes on a given topic, followed by a probing question-and-answer session and lively audience interaction. A panel of five eminent and impartial judges evaluated the performances with meticulous care. Emerging as the clear and deserving winner, Priya Kumari of Government Polytechnic, Patna-7, was crowned PrintStar 2026. Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya personally conferred upon her the winning certificate along with a cash prize of ₹25,000, amidst warm and appreciative applause.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, Chairman of the event and the guiding force behind this remarkable initiative, observed: “Today’s competition has once again proved that talent in the printing industry knows no regional boundaries. The confidence, clarity of thought and technical understanding displayed by all five finalists was truly inspiring. I congratulate Priya Kumari on her outstanding performance and on becoming PrintStar 2026.” He further added: “We are deeply honoured that Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya ji graced this occasion. His presence has elevated the stature of this national competition and will motivate young printing technologists across the country.”

Prof. Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor of MG University Motihari and Guest of Honour, expressed his appreciation for the high standard of the competition:
“It is heartening to see diploma-level students from different corners of the country competing with such maturity and technical depth. Initiatives like the T Prasad Memorial Gold Medal play a vital role in recognising and nurturing young talent in the printing and graphic arts sector. I congratulate Ms Priya Kumari and all the finalists for their excellent performance.”

In his address, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya congratulated the winner and the organisers with these inspiring words: “I am delighted to be present at this unique national competition that encourages skill development among our young students. The printing industry is an important contributor to education, communication and economic growth. I congratulate Ms Priya Kumari for her remarkable achievement and urge all the participating students to continue striving for excellence. I would also like to specially commend the Offset Printers Association for their visionary leadership and tireless commitment in conceptualising and organising such a prestigious national platform. Under the extraordinary guidance of Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra—the brainchild behind this coveted honour—the OPA has set new benchmarks in fostering excellence, bridging academia and industry, and inspiring the next generation of printing technologists. Their sustained and exemplary efforts truly deserve the highest appreciation. The government remains committed to supporting technical education and skill-based programmes that empower our youth.”

Prof. Chopra also announced that the coveted T Prasad Memorial Gold Medal would be formally conferred upon the winner at a special celebration to be held later at her own institute, Government Polytechnic, Patna, in the presence of her classmates and faculty.
The Offset Printers Association expressed its deep appreciation to all participating institutions and students for making the fifth edition of this national competition a resounding success, further reinforcing OPA’s reputation as a driving force for excellence and progress in the Indian printing industry.