SK Khurana, founder of Print & Publishing, passes away

Khurana started Print & Publishing under the S-Media Group in 1996. The group went on to publish several industry magazines in six verticals. Among them, Sign & Graphics was established in 2000, followed by All About Newspapers in 2005 and All About Book Publishing in 2010. The other publications include Dogs & Pups, The Progressive School, and The Progressive Teacher.

Born in 1 September 1947, Khurana was an Arts graduate from Delhi University, and a qualified print technologist from Northern Regional Institute of Printing Technology, Allahabad.

In 1966, he attended the Pressman’s Course at the Heidelberg Ganges Print Institute, Mumbai and participated in an All India Educational Tour, visiting large establishments across India. He did his in-plant training (1967-69) with Thomson Press, spending most of his time in the photo-composing division.

He later moved on an advertising agency as production assistant in 1969 and left in 1973 as production manager before co-founding a print-production agency. He handled numerous national and international accounts, most of which consisted of ‘concept to delivery’ pattern.

In early 1996, he founded Print & Publishing, making it the first all-colour publication adopting digital data transmission in pre-press.

The magazine was an extension of his passion for print. And it was just the beginning. He always had new ideas in mind and was not averse to taking risks professionally. For example, a lot of people discouraged him from starting the magazine on the book publishing industry, but he took it as a challenge and plunged into it. The magazine has been well received and is now one of the premier magazines in this industry.

He took a keen interest in the entire production chain of the magazines, right from conceiving the content to content creation to layout and then printing and distribution. He gave personal attention to every detail.

Khurana was also actively engaged in educational activities, specifically in printing institutes situated in Northern India. He was on the board of print and packaging institutes where he was involved in finalising the teaching curriculum for diploma and degree courses.

An illustrious leader of the print community, Khurana was a self-made man. He was a pillar of strength not just for his family but also for his social and business contacts. Ever smiling, he always managed to find the silver lining behind the darkest cloud.

Highly motivating, he always urged others to think out of the box and work hard towards the goal. For him, nothing was impossible and there was a solution to every problem. He loved to travel and travelled extensively not only in India but all around the world.

A practical man, Khurana gave sound advice, based on his years of learning and experience.

Khurana has been survived by his son Sonal and his daughter Bhavna. Sonal Khurana has been actively involved in the business for the last 18 years.