Col. Comdt. Prof (Dr) Rajendrakumar Anayath, Vice Chancellor at DCRUST, Murthal was awarded the coveted 'Viren Chhabra Print Leadership Award' (VCPLA) on 29 March 2023 at Mumbai, for his exceptional achievements and performances for the growth and welfare of the printing and packaging industry. The award was presented by Mr. Raveendra Joshi, President of the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) in the presence of the permanent members of the ‘Viren Chhabra Foundation’ in a glittering ceremony, in the presence of print leaders of the globe at JW Marriott Mumbai.

Viren Chhabra Print Leadership Award (VCPLA) is the highest honour for a person-in-print, is given to a veteran who has devoted himself/herself consistently to the field of printing for the development and growth of the industry and welfare of the printing community and have achieved something exceptional substantive during his/her work-span. The award is instituted by the AIFMP in the name of veteran stalwart of printing industry of India and the 'Ambassador of Indian Printing Industry to the World' - Viren Chhabra. He was the founder editor of Printing Times, man behind 5th World Print Congress and the 1st South Asia Print Congress (SAPC) at New Delhi. The peer of Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) also remained the president of AIFMP, Mr. Chhabra worked for the promotion of printing industry without any selfish goals.

Speaking about the concept and reasons for VCPLA, Prof. Kamal Chopra, convener of VCPLA forum said, Printing is mother of all revolution and is the greatest invention of mankind till date. Several technicians fine-tuned this art to use it according to the changing times. No effort was made to honour to honour the technicians responsible for revolution of printing in India and to remember the contributions of the masters of this great art. Such recognition is necessary to perpetuate the spirit of doing something unique for the growth of the trade and industry. Because, in the absence of bestowing due honour to the deserving, the society is taken over by unscrupulous elements. The award carries a Citation, Shawl, Memento and Cheque of Rs. One Lakh together with the biodata and Photo of Mr. Viren Chhabra.

Dr Anayath attained the distinction of being a true doctor, a professor of the Indian printing industry, as well as a torchbearer for the print worldwide. His drive for excellence, pursuit of scientific advancements, and faith in technology have emanated new energy and confidence that the print community has been able to seize and capitalise on. His words of wisdom provided many people with fresh perspectives, served as a warning to those who resisted change, and motivated countless printing students to continue working on this industry with commitment. He elevated the stature of print technology by gliding into the top echelons of academic leadership, at the highest levels of government with ease.

Accepting the award, Dr Anayath urged the printers to keep eyes and hearts open to the future and to feet on the ground. He expressed his thanks to the AIFMP leaders, members of the forum constituted, and judges to be the first winner of the VCPLA. He said, “From the Independence Day to till today, during the past 75 years, India attracted 950 Billion USD of FDI and you know, it is interesting to note that out of that 532 Billion USD has come in the last 90 Months. What a wonderful time! The next revolution in the Indian Print & Packaging industry would be in Agriculture, Food products, Mobile & Allied Equipment and Pharma.” He suggested five important points to the printers for becoming successful & responsible Printer.

1) Environmental Impact of Raw Materials and Processes: Incorporate reused materials and circularity potential at the design phase itself.

2) Sustainability Through Circular Economy: Have a serious concern on the end life of all products you print. Design to minimise energy use, emissions, consumables, and product failure.

3) Societal Responsibilities: Health, Safety and Welfare of all stake holders of print industry. Use data to develop service innovations. Maximise ease of recycling and recycled value of components.

4) Values, Ethics and Legal Compliances: It is not an option anymore, but mandatory for the future due to transparency in everything you do and the deep global awareness on nature and systems.

5) Handling Technology: There are much more better ways to do it with the help of digitalisation. 3D Printing, Big Data, AI, ML, AR, VR, METAVERSE, Cloud Computing are going to make everything fast, simple, and precise including ultimate accuracy in decision making.