Anand Limaye, a stalwart of India’s printing fraternity, used his acceptance speech for the Viren Chhabra Print Leadership Award 2026 to issue a sober warning, stating the industry stands at a "critical juncture" and must rapidly evolve to ensure its future resilience.
Accepting the prestigious award from the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), Limaye framed the honour not as a personal culmination but as a collective responsibility and a "reminder that there is still much more to be done." His speech synthesised a lifetime of experience in print, from inheriting India Printing Works (founded by his father in 1932) to leading institutional reforms at city, state, and national levels.
Limaye emphasised that his career has been guided by the simple principle: “If the industry grows, we all grow.” He attributed key achievements, including the revival of Pamex, successful policy battles with governments, and building educational infrastructure, to "teamwork, collaboration, and collective intent," sharing the honour with colleagues who worked for the "larger good."
A significant portion of his advocacy has centered on education and skill development. Limaye highlighted efforts at the Institute of Printing Technology and Research to advance academic programs and infrastructure, driven by the need to create "not just printers, but professionals."
Reflecting on the current economic environment, Limaye detailed five systemic challenges facing the sector. He spoke about volatility in raw material prices, particularly paper and consumables, is placing immense pressure on smaller printers, forcing them to operate on "unsustainable margins."
Limaye highlighted a shift in consumption patterns due to digital media, meaning print "is no longer the default, it must constantly prove its value." He mentioned how MSMEs are struggling to cope with complexities ranging from past taxation issues to ongoing compliance requirements. He addressed the issue of skill gap. He said, A growing disconnect exists between the industry's talent needs and the available manpower, making skilled workers difficult to find and retain." He concluded by saying.
The highly fragmented nature of the Indian printing industry continues to weaken its collective bargaining power with suppliers, large clients, and policymakers. Despite the headwinds, Limaye expressed optimism, asserting that print maintains its intrinsic value: "trust, tangibility, and permanence." He provided a clear strategic roadmap for the sector's evolution. He said the industry must "embrace technology, not resist it." He added, printers must "collaborate more and compete less within ourselves."
He added that proactive investment in education and upskilling is essential, alongside bringing the next generation into the industry "with pride." Above all, he highlighted increased engagement with government and policy makers is required to address regulatory issues. Limaye concluded by urging the fraternity to work together to make the Indian printing industry "stronger, more resilient, and future-ready."
Anand Limaye is a veteran of India’s printing industry and heads India Printing Works (IPW), a Mumbai-based press founded in 1932 by his family. With decades of experience, he has played a key role not only in running one of the country’s long-standing printing establishments but also in shaping industry policy, education and institutional development through his involvement with various print bodies.