Printers in South India unite

According to a press communique, SIPA which was formed three months ago will soon be an affiliated association to the All India Federation of Master Printers Association (AIFMP).

SIPA will host 15 associations from the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka under one single umbrella. AMSG Ashokan, the immediate past-president of AIFMP has been elected as the present president of SIPA.

At its first meeting held in Madurai on 15 March, 2015, SIPA's president envisaged his plan and the benefits associated with the new association formation. His Print Yatra plan was the first among many. "Print Yatra will help the SIPA members have a glimpse of print in Singapore, China, Malaysia and other countries," said Ashokan.

"The stay will be borne by SIPA in a seven-star hotel in Singapore and only the travelling amount has to be borne by the members of SIPA for which Cox & King will help them in getting visa and travel arrangement with best possible discounts," he added.

Also, he stressed on member participation for Pamex 2015, which is being held in Mumbai.

As chairman of the organising committee in Pamex 2015, he offered the SIPA members a special discount for their stay and travel. He insisted all the SIPA members to grab the maximum opportunities by visiting such world class exhibitions.

Also on Ashokan's agenda was the invitation for the members to take part in AIFMP's flagship event National Award for Excellence in Printing (NAEP) and showcase their products and compete with national and International level printers. This year's NAEP will be hosted by Sivakasi Master Printers Association (SMPA) in Sivakasi.

O Venugopal of Kerala Master Printers Association (KMPA), highlighted KMPA's activities towards print education with training in-house and the government initiatives which will overcome the shortage of a skilled workforce. He insisted that this shall be adopted by SIPA and disseminate this knowledge to other print associations.

The members of SIPA were also advised to get a SSI certificate by visiting the MSME website online to avail benefits like subsidy from central and state governments.

More than 50 members from 15 associations were a part of this meet. Ashokan hopes to boost the membership level to 45 by the next quarter.