Ink World staff11.06.20
Prof. Kamal Chopra was elected as the president of the All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP).
AIFMP is the apex body of 250,000 Indian printers and president is the highest seat of this body.
Prof. Chopra said that India is dominated by small and micro printers, who are suffering due to these pandemic conditions and longest ever lockdown.
"The year 2021 may be the year of survival for all of us," he said. "Many changes are in store, while starting our work, once again after this long lockdown. The Internet and digitization are hitting normal printing very hard. Only recently the government of India notified not to get printed the calendar and diaries, etc.
"But in a country where the internet is yet to reach 51% population, such a decision can be said to be tying a horse behind the cart. As per the available feedback, not less than 23% printing units closed or shifted their business during this period. My first and primary goal is to get some relief for the micro and small printers of the country," he continued.
"These pandemic conditions taught us many lessons, I always believe that there are opportunities hidden in any pathetic conditions. COVID-19 trained us to live in a healthy and sanitized atmosphere, produce with less working hands, come out of comfort zones to plan for the future and many more. These days many of us start saying, the internet is killing printing," Prof. Chopra added.
"Let’s get past the 'print is dead' misconception. The future of print is embracing the exciting new waves of communication and media innovation more than you might expect. Yes, the use of print has declined over the last two decades, but that ended a few years ago. The industry is now positioned to expand, especially with the oversaturation and privacy issues digital platforms experience today," he said.
"The world has officially gone virtual. As industries respond to shifting consumer preferences in the wake of COVID-19, along with a widespread demand for pandemic-specific innovation, the new socially distanced reality is rapidly shaping the way we do business and interact. Due to the lockdown, now the printer will have to learn the new ways of business and interacting with the customer," Prof. Chopra noted.
"As companies merge and streamline in record numbers, there will be fewer manufacturers, merchants, and printers. However, the ones that vigorously adopt new technology will thrive and grow. There are a surprising number of new opportunities, but the printers must be willing to make significant changes to take advantage of them. The consensus is that big changes are coming," he explained.
"The top printing companies are embracing innovations, integrating with digital technology, and getting more customized. My perception is printing is not only ink on paper, we will have to adopt new and innovative ideas, maybe textile and garment printing also which can lead to the survival of micro and small printers," Prof. Chopra concluded.