West Zone Finale of 7th Manoj B. Mehta Print Olympiad 2026 Held in Pune

The West Zone Finale of the 7th Edition of Manoj B. Mehta Print Olympiad 2026 — India’s biggest and the world’s only talent hunt of its kind in the printing industry — was successfully organized on Saturday, 25th April 2026 at PVG’s College of Engineering, Technology & Management (COETM), Pune. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and the august presence of several eminent personalities from the printing and packaging industry. The programme commenced with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp and Prarthana. Prof. Madhura Mahajan, Chief Coordinator of the Print Olympiad and Head of the Printing & Packaging Department, delivered the Welcome Address, extending a warm greeting to all dignitaries, jury members, and participants.

Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, Project Chairman, inspired the students with his words of wisdom: "The printing industry is not just about ink and paper — it is about ideas, innovation, and impact. Dream big, master your skills, and remember that every great print begins with a curious mind. The future belongs to those who combine creativity with technical excellence." Mr. Ashwani Gupta, Co-Chairman, emphasized: "Discipline, dedication, and continuous learning are the three pillars that will make you successful in this dynamic industry. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders who will transform the printing and packaging sector of India."

The distinguished jury comprising Nitin Wani, Hemanshu Desai, Mukul Shetty, Vijay Patil, and Aniruddha Walimbe were felicitated for their valuable guidance. Mukul Shetty motivated the participants, saying: "Never fear experimentation. In printing technology, every failure is a stepping stone to a breakthrough. Stay curious, stay updated with new technologies, and always maintain the highest standards of quality."

Guest of Honour Mandar Ugar, Managing Director, Ugar Labels Pvt. Ltd., Pune, delivered an inspiring address: "Innovation is the lifeline of the printing industry. I urge all young minds here to think beyond conventional boundaries, embrace sustainability, and develop solutions that will make Indian printing globally competitive." He also felicitated the West Zone host institutions — PVG’s COETM, PVG’s MIPT, Pune and K.S. Wani Institute, Dhule — with certificates and mementos. The beautiful Pragati Calendar was presented to these institutions by Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra.

Sunil P. Redekar, Director, PVG’s COETM, Pune, in his address appreciated the efforts of the Offset Printers Association (OPA) and said: "The Offset Printers Association has been doing remarkable work in identifying and nurturing young talent for the printing industry through this unique platform. Their vision and consistent efforts in organizing the Print Olympiad year after year are truly commendable. On behalf of PVG’s COETM, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to OPA for this noble initiative that is strengthening the future of the printing and packaging sector."

Zonal Coordinator Prof. Parameshwar Shinde presented a summary of Round 1, following which certificates were distributed to all eligible participants. Merit certificates and mementos were awarded to the Top Five Printing Technology Students of the West Zone: Vedant Ghate, Sushant Lohar, Sakshi Sonawane, Sutirth Doshi and Harikrishna Sadhuchetty. The West Zone Final Round was then conducted smoothly as per the set guidelines. West Zone Coordinators Prof. Shrikala Kanade (PVG’s COETM), Prof. Parameshwar Shinde (PVG’s MIPT) and Prof. Prasad Puranik (K.S. Wani Institute, Dhule — felicitated in absentia) were honoured for their excellent coordination.

The highlight of the day was the announcement of the West Zone Top Print Student. Sakshi Sonawane, a Third Year Printing Technology student from PVG’s COETM, Pune, emerged as the winner. She received the prestigious title, certificate, and memento, and has qualified for the National Finale. An elated Sakshi expressed her gratitude and excitement for the national-level competition.

PVG’s College of Engineering, Technology & Management (COETM), Pune, was awarded the prestigious Trophy of Regional Institution of Excellence in recognition of its outstanding contribution to print education and successful hosting of the event. The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Ashwani Gupta, who expressed: "On behalf of the Offset Printers Association, I extend my sincere thanks to our esteemed Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, dignitaries, jury members, coordinators, faculty members, and most importantly, all the talented student participants. We are deeply grateful to PVG’s COETM and the host institutions for their warm hospitality and flawless execution. This event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our title sponsor, industry partners, and the entire Print Olympiad team. Your collective efforts have made today’s event a grand success." The programme concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.