Anna University sweeps South Zone Print Olympiad

Organised by the Offset Printers Association (OPA), the event showcased the depth of young talent in the region and reinforced the strong industry-academia synergy that defines the competition. 

The programme commenced with professor Madhura Mahajan, chief coordinator at PVG’s College of Engineering, Technology and Management, introducing the concept of Print Olympiad and emphasising the competition’s role in identifying and nurturing future leaders in the printing sector. 

Professor Kamal Chopra, project chairman, introduced OPA’s vision, stating: “Print Olympiad serves as a crucial platform to channel India’s demographic advantage into a skilled, future-ready workforce for the global print landscape, bridging academia and industry effectively.” 

South Zone coordinators, including JP Nirmala (Anna University, Chennai), M Nandhakumar (Arasan Ganesan Polytechnic College, Sivakasi), T Murugesan (Institute of Printing Technology, Chennai), and P Murugapandian (Nachimuthu Polytechnic College, Pollachi), shared motivational remarks. 

JP Nirmala highlighted the growing excellence in South India’s printing education, while M Nandhakumar encouraged participants to embrace innovation for industry advancement. 

Guest of honour B Kumar (professor and retired head of the department of printing and packaging technology at Anna University) inspired the young aspirants. He congratulated the students on their enthusiasm and urged them to pursue continuous learning in packaging technology, noting its vital role in sustainable development. 

The panel of judges included K Senthil Vadivu (professor, department of printing and packaging at Anna University), KBS Shanmuga Sundaram (senior vice president, operations, Amnet), GN Visvakumar (managing director, Rajams Digital Offset Prints), GK Kalairajan (managing director, Mayuraa Pack), and J Jeetendra (print specialist) – provided expert evaluation. 

K Senthil Vadivu commended the high quality of responses in the test, while chief guest Raghavan Sridharan, managing director, Spico Printing Inks, delivered an address. In his remarks, he praised the participants’ enthusiasm and stressed, “Continuous innovation in the printing industry is essential to meet evolving global demands and maintain India’s competitive edge in packaging and inks technology.” 

TKS Lakshmi Priya, technical coordinator, appreciated the discipline and preparation shown by all participants. Following the competition, Ashwani Gupta offered concluding thoughts, lauding the high level of participation and the event’s success in engaging young minds. 

The results were announced by professor Kamal Chopra, who congratulated the toppers and reiterated the competition’s goal of identifying and rewarding India’s brightest printing minds. He announced that the jury selected four top students from the South Zone, all hailing from the department of printing and packaging technology, College of Engineering Guindy Campus (CEGC), Anna University, Chennai: Vibinran M, Steffi Mary A, Chinmayi K and Saranadithya D. 

These performers have qualified for the South Zone Finale, to be held at Anna University, Chennai, in the coming days. The four zonal champions will compete in the national finale for the coveted title of “No. 1 Student of India,” along with a Certificate of Excellence and INR 1,00,000 cash prize. 

The grand finale will be held in October 2026 at the All in Print China exhibition in Shanghai, offering global exposure to India’s young print stars.