AIFMP’s annual ‘romance with print’ demonstrated cheerfully in New Delhi

Govind Bhargav, president – AIFMP and others lighting the ceremonial lamp.Gathering of more than 250 professionals comprising printers, traders, manufacturers and academicians on March 2, 2013 listened to various speakers with pin-drop silence under the theme ‘CARE’ during printers’ conference ‘Romancing Print 2013’ organized by AIFMP with the support of one of the leading patrons Ricoh India Ltd. The theme of the conference this year was elaborated significantly by emphasizing on ‘care’ about oneself, staff members, equipments, environment, etc. The speakers presenting their point of views discussed the topic by and large.

Present in the conference as key note speaker Shyam Taneja, a motivational speaker from Ahmedabad while talking on the theme emphasized with equal focus to be accorded on business and personal front and said, “Taking care of ‘health’ of oneself is the foremost need.” He believes in uniqueness of each individual, which needs to be realized and explored further. He further said, “There is talent present in each is like a seed and capable to become a tree, which just needs to open up.” With his state-of-the-art presentation, Shyam involved many from the audience with his interesting talk. Vijay Kumar Chopra, past president, AIFMP and chairman, Punjab Kesari Group of newspapers, Jalandhar conveyed his happiness to be present on the occasion. He did not forget to compliment Indian printing machine manufacturers specially the web offset, producing quality at par excellence.

Shyam Taneja – key note speakerAshokan Krishnamoorthy, product manager – CtP and Prinect (prepress), Heidelberg India discussed primarily about taking due CARE for the environment. He mentioned about their unique press ‘Anicolor’ which fits in perfectly with this segment offering reduced make–ready time and paper waste making this press also run at full speed with ‘Inpress Controls’ in place. Ashokan also put forth his strong point of view that one needs to think economically but opting ecologically. “After five years or so, without ‘Green’ kind of certification, print exports may not be possible,” he cautioned. He also enumerated ‘Prinect’ workflow which becomes common for digital and conventional offset processes.

As a commercial break, AIFMP accorded opportunity to make presentation of upcoming PAMEX expo scheduled for November 14-17, 2013 by IP Wadhwa from TAFCON Projects (India) Pvt Ltd, while featuring PAMEX with confirmed brands to participate, he expected IPAMA to support the event strongly. SR Sharma and Manoj Mehta also made brief presentations on new venue (Greater Noida) and the concurrent event ‘International Beauty Mart’ respectively to run alongside Pamex.

Ricoh, the prime sponsor to the conference, designated Avijit Mukherjee, COO, production printing – SBU, Ricoh India Limited to talk about ‘CARE.’ He cited the same mission of Ricoh adopted in the year 1936, which conveys as to take care of your neighbour, community and work equally. Avijit also conveyed his belief firmly in inter-dependent factors – planet, people and profit. While speaking on environment, he emphasized on the features of digital printing over offset and the applications which can be catered ecologically. “Ricoh is committed to environment and has great targets till the year 2025,” added Avijit updating about Ricoh India network which has offices in 14 locations with over 200 dealers and is the fastest growing company in its area of operations. As per Avijit, digital printing will compliment offset and not compete in the years to come.

From manroland India, Natasha Tandon, manager-marketing made an impressive presentation on the topic ‘Print Will Remain in Place’ in the time of internet or other hardware like iPad, etc. She was talking India’s specific requirements, which has 50 percent of its population under the age of 25. Thus need of books and reading material to grow continuously. She cited an outcome of PWC findings which predicted significant growth in newspaper segment. Natasha also did not forget to mention about current challenges relating to profit margins, turnout timings, etc and the staff and ecology as well. As per Natasha, economy working model can be possible if efficiency can be achieved adhering to different parameters. She talked about ‘Inline Inspector’ by manroland which checks and detects accurately all print processes. Other key speakers during the conference included Sudhakar Kasture from Exim Institute, Mumbai, who in fact opened up the opportunities of book printing/publishing lying to be tapped by commercial printers. He said, “The scope of large exports in this segment need to be explored.”

At the end there were panel discussions on the topics ‘Jub Tak Hai CARE: An Indian Prospective’ and ‘Until There Is CARE: An International Prospective’ moderated by Jacob George from a trade publication and Dr RK Anayath from Heidelberg India respectively. During discussion on former topic the panelists included VK Gulati (SAKU Group, Noida), Manoj Kumar (Dot n Pixel, New Delhi), M Choudhury, CDC Printers, Kolkata), S Bharagava (Kumar Printers, Manesar), Shailesh Sheth (Krisflexipack, Mumbai) and Shiv Bhatnagar (Rave India, New Delhi). While, during second topic, there were international personalities who answered the questions about CARE from the moderator including an elaborated discussion on the aspects discussed during first session.