P B Kulkarni: A real master

Dr Rajendrakumar Anayath who is the director at the Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences, Bhiwani (Haryana), remembers his print guru.

27 Oct 2014 | By Samir Lukka

A prodigy known as “Pa Bha” our beloved Professor, P B Kulkarni is no more ...

Prof Dr P B Kulkarni, people fondly called him “Pa Bha” is one among the greatest "print academicians" of post independence India. He was instrumental in making each one of us successful in the chosen field. My last meeting with him was a couple of years ago and let me share that memory photograph for you. 

On 5 September, on teacher’s day, I meticulously called him in the early morning to take his blessings. However, last year he was unable to recognise my voice and I realised that the times have changed.

It was certainly a shocking day for all of us from PVG to hear about the sad demise of our beloved teacher Pa Bha Saab. But it is a reality now that we lost this great master of printing. These are the moments we search for words to express and share our feelings. I am aware that none of the scribbles in this letter can compensate our loss.

The print community is really shocked and grief stricken to learn about our beloved teacher's sad demise.

Let me express our full reverence, profound sorrow, deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences for the family. Our prayers are there for the departed soul to rest in peace in heaven.

Let us cherish his fine memories abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man.

Once again my heartfelt tribute to my teacher, who created a benchmark in the history of modern “Indian Print Education”.

A real master to be remembered, always!

Pranaam Sir!

Dr Prof Pa Bha Kulkarni passed away at the age of 82. As a founder member, he played a crucial role in shaping PVG’s Maharashtra Institute of Printing Technology and College of Engineering and Technology institutes.

Dr Kulkarni started working as a lifetime member with PVG in 1962. After completion of MSc in printing technology from Germany, he went on to complete his PhD from the same institute.

After returning to India, he served as PVG’s president for 15 years. During this time he was instrumental in setting up the Institute of Printing Technology. He was actively involved as founder-professor at this institute till 2000.

Over the years, Dr Kulkarni has worked with various educational institutes and printers associations including Pune Press Owners’ Association, All India Master Printers’ Association, Pune University, Jadavpur University and Manipal University among others.