President Speak: "I want to iron out all the differences through fellowship and camaraderie"

What was your first task when you became president of your Association?
Collection of arrears of subscription during which I had to closely interact with members of the association, organising Printers' Day, representation to the government for electricity shortage in the state, formation of subcommittees,  appointing chairman — the right man for the right job, preparing the budget for the financial year and keeping the team together. These were the multifold tasks that I had to undertake when I became the president. 

What do you like most about your job?
I look forward to the monthly committee meetings of MPLA were I can interact with fellow printer committee members to take first-hand information on what is happening in the industry. Another interesting job is to iron out all the differences through fellowship and camaraderie during the course of the business.

What do you like least?
The politics played in the association.

What has been your Association's recent programs? 
We exclusively conducted seminars on pre-press software in printing - CorelDraw, Adobe, press management . Knowledge and training in these aspects pays off.

What is the biggest challenge your Association is facing? 
Copyrights issue in printing, pirated software under the IT act and competitive rates under-cut by printers to keep the press running to bring in bandwidth, pricing. These issues are common to all printers

What future plans do you have for the MPLA?
Firstly, we intend to focus on environment friendly printing practices to ensure sustainability and resource conservation. Then, we want to have a member driven organisation, governed by all volunteer committee members and elected by members who are experts in their respective field. Another important aim of the association is to improve the profitability and professional growth of its members. We would like to provide many opportunities throughout the year to help our members learn about the latest trends and technology, knowledge about networking with potential clients and suppliers, which will definitely help in the group of their business. To arrange group discounts from leading software providers is also on the agenda.

Is it true, printers are much more loyal and proud of their membership in associations like Rotary, Lion, Jaycees than printing associations? If yes or no, why?
The main aim of Rotary and Lion is social work and charity. Jaycees is for young budding achievers in business. I am a proud and loyal member of both MPLA and AIFMP. We cannot draw parallel to both these organisations as each is unique in its own way.  

What trend (equipment / software / workflows) is your Association keeping an eye on?
Seminars bring the latest in print and design trends. Therefore we are concentrating on that.

In a competitive market-place, do printers have to re-model their business concepts and brand-building? If yes, how?
Printers have to re-model their concepts and approach to get better business participation in special educational programs that focus on upgrading the technical and management skills. Modern brand-building like STOP campaigning is only for short term gains. Printers need to start committing for long-term growth and development. I feel today a great brand is also a great story.

What does Printer's Day mean to you?
I am happy that Printer’s Day is celebrated all over India marking Johannes Gutenberg, father of printing industry. Social commitments are also made on this day. It is a great occasion to look forward to as it also marks the day on which we give something back to the society from which we have got everything!