At the Print Summit 2025 in Mumbai, during a session titled ‘ITK Presents: Crafting of a Legacy – Maverick Stories’ hosted by Iqbal Kherodawala, two mavericks from the Indian print industry were featured.
Kherodawala paid tribute to two extraordinary individuals — Khushru Patel of Mumbai-based Jak Printers and K Selvakumar of Sivakasi-based Lovely Offset. He celebrated their innovative contributions to the printing industry, commitment to excellence, and broader impact beyond business.
Kherodawala described Jak Printers as a “boutique press” in the heart of the city, known for its quality and over 400 national and 33 international awards. He praised Patel’s relentless pursuit of perfection, saying, “You think you have achieved quality, and he raises the bar further.” Patel’s visionary approach extends beyond printing — his ventures include creating a private lakefront property, mastering endurance horse racing, and developing innovative machinery for diverse industries.
Equally compelling was Kherodawala’s account of Selvakumar of Lovely Offset in Sivakasi. Despite the challenges of its remote location, Lovely Offset thrives as a sprawling facility on a 30-acre property with more than 1,000 employees. It is a model of sustainability, producing surplus renewable energy and achieving remarkable water conservation milestones. Selvakumar’s philosophy of “letting the market come to you” and his extraordinary reforestation efforts, to plant one crore trees in 10 years, highlight his visionary leadership.
Selvakumar reflected on his transformation into an environmentalist, driven by a sense of purpose beyond mere monetary gains. He emphasizes that environmental efforts are not about saving the planet for its sake but ensuring the survival and well-being of future generations. Selvakumar’s focus on community training and reforestation aligns with his belief that one individual can inspire collective action.
Similarly, Patel’s response encapsulates his enthusiasm and lifelong passion for learning. Curiousness is the driving force behind his diverse ventures and achievements. His philosophy of continuously learning and solving new problems underscores his dynamic approach to life and business. Patel’s energy and adaptability testify to the opportunities for growth within and beyond the printing industry.
The dialogue acknowledges the vital contributions of the printing sector to these leaders’ journeys. Both emphasize the industry’s strength and resilience, urging peers to embrace its potential. The exchange serves as a motivational narrative for those in the field, reinforcing the idea that success and purpose go hand in hand with learning, giving back, and preserving the environment.
Both Patel and Selvakumar exemplify the maverick spirit and unwavering dedication, redefining standards in the printing industry and inspiring broader social and environmental change.
