Bihar Witnesses History with its First-Ever National Conference on the "Unstoppable Power of Printing and Packaging"

The vibrant state of Bihar made history as it hosted its first-ever National Conference on the "Unstoppable Power of Printing and Packaging," organized by the Offset Printers Association (OPA) in collaboration with Government Polytechnic, Gulzarbagh. This landmark event was a celebration of the dynamic printing and packaging industries and a testament to Bihar's rising prominence as a hub for education, innovation, and industry transformation. Held in the historic city of Patna, the event drew an audience of over 200 delegates, including students, industry professionals, and policymakers, all united by a shared vision of growth and empowerment.

Welcoming the audience, Dr. Shree Bhagwan Singh, Principal of Government Polytechnic, Patna, struck an emotional chord: "Today, we write a new chapter in the history of Bihar. Hosting this national conference is not just a milestone; it is a message to the world that Bihar is ready to lead, to innovate, and to shine in the field of printing and packaging."

The conference was inaugurated by Prof. Sanjay Srivastava, Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, who set the tone for the day with his inspiring words: "Printing is not just about ink on paper; it is about bringing ideas to life, connecting people, and creating change. Packaging is not merely about covering products; it is about preserving quality, enhancing value, and protecting trust. Together, these industries form the backbone of communication, commerce, and culture." Prof. Srivastava lauded the efforts of OPA for bringing such a prestigious event to Bihar, emphasizing that this initiative would inspire countless young minds to dream big and pursue excellence.

The conference featured some of the most celebrated voices in the printing and packaging industry, whose speeches not only informed but deeply moved the audience, Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, an internationally acclaimed figure in the printing world, delivered a fiery and impassioned address. With his voice resonating with conviction, he said: "Bihar has always been a land of knowledge and culture. Hosting this conference here is a testament to the state’s immense potential. But potential alone is not enough—we must act. The printing industry must embrace change, upgrade technologies, and adopt sustainable practices to remain unstoppable. Let us rise together to ensure that print remains relevant, powerful, and irreplaceable." His words were met with thunderous applause, particularly from the students, who found his message both inspiring and empowering.

Pankaj Tiwari, Chairperson of the Department of Printing at GJ University, Hisar, emphasized the importance of education in building a strong foundation for the industry. "Education is the cornerstone of progress. Without a well-educated workforce, we cannot hope to compete globally. Today, we are planting the seeds of knowledge here in Bihar, and I have no doubt that this state will soon emerge as a leader in printing and packaging."

Deepak Walia, Managing Director of Manroland India, spoke about the career opportunities awaiting young professionals in this sector. "Printing and packaging are industries of endless possibilities. From designing luxury packaging to creating impactful advertisements, the scope is vast and ever-expanding. Students sitting here today are the future CEOs and innovators of tomorrow’s printing world. Dare to dream big, and the industry will open its arms to you."

Arun K. Sinha, former Director of Printing, Government of India, highlighted the role of printing professionals in nation-building. "Printing is a profession of trust and responsibility. Every document printed, every package created has a purpose—it informs, protects, and communicates. I urge every young professional here to take pride in their work because you are the custodians of truth and creativity."

The post-lunch panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, was the heart of the conference. The panel, which included Mr. Deepak Walia, Mr. Arun K. Sinha, and Mr. Salil Srivastava from Vinsak India, explored topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and the integration of AI in printing and packaging. Prof. Chopra posed a powerful question to the panel: "As we move towards a digital future, how do we ensure that print remains an essential part of our lives?"

The panellists responded with thought-provoking insights, with Mr. Walia emphasizing the human connection that print fosters and Mr. Sinha advocating for sustainable practices to future-proof the industry. Students and young professionals, many of whom were attending a national-level conference for the first time, were visibly moved by the experience. 

Amit Kumar, a final-year student of printing technology, shared: "Listening to Prof. Chopra and the other speakers was like seeing a new horizon. I never imagined the printing and packaging industry could be so powerful and full of opportunities. This day has changed my perspective forever." Even seasoned professionals in the audience acknowledged the event’s profound impact. Ramesh Gupta, a local printer, remarked: "I have been in this industry for 20 years, but today I learned things that I had never thought of. This conference has ignited a new passion in me to take my business to the next level."

In his closing remarks, Beer Bahadur Singh captured the emotional essence of the day: "Bihar has always been a land of firsts—from ancient universities like Nalanda to the great minds that have shaped this nation. Today, we add another first to our legacy—the first-ever National Conference on Printing and Packaging of Bihar. This is just the beginning. Let this day mark the start of a new journey, one where Bihar takes its rightful place as a leader in this unstoppable industry."

The conference concluded with a standing ovation for the organizers, speakers, and participants, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended. It was more than an event—it was a movement, a moment of pride for Bihar, and a beacon of hope for the future of printing and packaging. As the day ended, the words of Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra echoed in the hearts of all: "Print is not just ink on paper; it is a dream realized, a promise kept, and a legacy created. Together, we will ensure that the power of print and packaging remains truly unstoppable." Bihar has now entered the annals of history as not just a participant in the printing industry but as a torchbearer for its future.

The National Conference on "Unstoppable Power of Printing and Packaging" was not just an event—it was a movement, a celebration of the industry’s resilience and potential. It underscored the significance of collaboration, education, and innovation, leaving a lasting legacy for the printing and packaging fraternity. As attendees dispersed, the echoes of the event’s powerful messages lingered, fuelling dreams, igniting passions, and shaping a brighter future for printing and packaging. Truly, the unstoppable power of this industry is a force to reckon with, transforming the way the world communicates and connects.