Sakshi Prashant Sonawane Crowned ‘Top Print Student of India – 2026’

Sakshi Prashant Sonawane from the West Zone has been declared ‘Top Print Student of India – 2026’ at the National Finale of the Manoj B Mehta Print Olympiad 2026, held at Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (GJUST), Hisar, during the International Conference on “AI and Robotics – Revolutionizing Printing & Packaging.” Sakshi received the coveted title certificate and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000. The honours were jointly presented by Prof. Vijay Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, GJUST; Dr. Vijay Kumar, Registrar, GJUST; Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra; Parveen Aggarwal, President, Offset Printers’ Association (OPA); and Prof. Madhura Mahajan, Chief Coordinator of the 7th Print Olympiad.

The other three regional champions competing in the National Finale were Nitish Sah (North), Ruchi Kumari (East) and Saranadithya D (South). The final competition was conducted before a distinguished five-member international jury comprising K G Suresh (India), Alexandra Vergopoulou (Greece), Prof. Dr. Anastasios E. Politis (Greece), Prof. Dr. Aran Hansuebsai (Thailand) and Erwin Driever (Canada).

Launched in 2014, the Print Olympiad is the brainchild of Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra and is organised by the Offset Printers’ Association (OPA) under its Print Chetna initiative. It is described as a competition “truly unique worldwide”, created to inspire students, encourage innovation and build awareness of the changing technologies and opportunities in printing and packaging. The competition follows a rigorous multi-stage process. Students first participate in zone-wise online tests, followed by regional rounds in which shortlisted students demonstrate their knowledge and communication skills before eminent judges. The four regional champions then compete for the national title of ‘Top Print Student of India’ and the ₹1 lakh prize.

With the 7th edition, the competition has entered a new chapter with Manoj B Mehta as the title sponsor and is now named the Manoj B Mehta Print Olympiad 2026. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, General Secretary, OPA, said: “The Print Olympiad was conceived to make young students aware of the strength, relevance and exciting future of printing. With AI, automation, robotics and digital technologies transforming our industry, it is essential that our students are prepared to lead this change. I congratulate Sakshi and all four regional champions for their outstanding performance.”

Parveen Aggarwal, President, OPA, said: “The Print Olympiad has become an important platform for discovering and encouraging young talent in printing and packaging. OPA is proud to provide students from across the country an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, confidence and creativity before experts from India and abroad.”

Prof. Madhura Mahajan, Chief Coordinator, said: “The journey of all four finalists reflects knowledge, dedication and perseverance. While Sakshi has earned the national title, all four students have brought great credit to their institutions and regions. We are proud of their achievement and grateful to all the institutions and coordinators who made the 7th edition possible.”

The 2026 edition involved leading printing and educational institutions across the North, East, South and West Zones. The initiative continues OPA’s effort to bridge the gap between academia and industry and prepare young professionals for a rapidly evolving printing and packaging sector. With Sakshi Prashant Sonawane earning the national honour, the Manoj B Mehta Print Olympiad 2026 has added another significant chapter to its growing legacy of identifying, nurturing and celebrating the next generation of print professionals.