On July 27, 2025, the Offset Printers Association (OPA) hosted its annual Gutenberg Festival at the Ambrosia Grand Resort in Ludhiana. Printers’ associations from across India—New Delhi, Baddi, Batala, Jalandhar, Sri Mukatsar Sahib, Mohali, Dhuri, Moga, Jagraon, Nakodar, Samana, and Patiala—gathered alongside OPA members and their families.
The Gutenberg Festival, a cornerstone of OPA’s legacy, is a day to honor the rich heritage of the printing industry while weaving stronger bonds within the community.
Parveen Aggarwal, OPA’s president, captured the essence of the event, “In a world where gadgets tether our souls and screens steal our presence, we risk losing the heartbeat of humanity. This festival is our sanctuary—a day to laugh, to cherish our culture, and to rediscover the values that unite us as a community.” His words reminded everyone of the delicate balance between technological progress and the timeless need for connection.
Kamal Mohan Chopra, OPA’s general secretary, echoed this sentiment, “Our traditions are the roots that ground us, the foundation of our joy and identity. Yet, in the rush of a tech-driven world, we risk letting them fade. The Gutenberg Festival is OPA’s gift to the community—a day to celebrate our heritage, rekindle our values, and remind us to stay true to our human essence.”
Families joined in spirited games. The highlight was a performance by stand-up comedian Tarun Chawla. Gift hampers were provided by Max Rollers, New Delhi.
Presidents and teams from printers’ associations across Batala, Delhi, Dhuri, Baddi, Jalandhar, Moga, Nakodar, Samana, Patiala, Sri Mukatsar Sahib, and Jagraon were honored for their contributions to the printing industry.
Rakesh Kumar Kansal, general manager of DIC, Ludhiana, and chief guest, said, “This day will forever linger in my family’s hearts. To see print entrepreneurs from over 17 cities come together felt like witnessing a miniature India. OPA’s commitment to fostering collaboration is a cornerstone for the printing and packaging sector’s growth, and the Government of Punjab stands firmly behind its mission.”
Speaking on the occasion, Ashwani Gupta, president of the All India Federation of Printers and Packagers (AIFPP), added, “We honor Johannes Gutenberg’s legacy, whose invention revolutionized knowledge dissemination. Today, as we navigate a dynamic printing landscape, AIFPP is committed to fostering innovation, embracing sustainability, and uniting our industry to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.”
Sandeep Aggarwal, president of Delhi Printers Association, shared, “The welcoming atmosphere sparked meaningful connections with fellow associations. OPA’s dedication made this festival a triumph of community spirit.” Maninder Jit Singh, president of Patiala Printers Association, added, “OPA’s commitment to uniting the industry is unmatched—this was a day of true connection.”
Ram Parkash, president of Printing Press Association, Mukatsar Sahib, called it “a networking opportunity etched in memory,” while Kawaljeet Singh from ZIBBOC Holistic Consultancy, Mohali, described it as “a joyful celebration of printing’s enduring power.”
Ashish Kumar Goyal, president of Offset Printers Association, Samana, was moved by the hospitality: “The cascade of gifts, exquisite cuisine, and unparalleled warmth made this a one-of-a-kind experience.”
A film showcasing OPA’s milestones, particularly in skill development, added depth to the festivities, reminding attendees of the organization’s pivotal role in advancing the printing industry.
The Gutenberg Festival 2025 was a testament to the power of community, the beauty of tradition, and the enduring spirit of collaboration.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Romi Malhotra, former president of OPA, he said, “This event, held in honor of Johannes Gutenberg—the father of modern printing—has once again brought our community together. I thank OPA for their unwavering dedication to fostering unity, creativity, and progress.”
The Gutenberg Festival 2025 sounds like an exciting event for printers in Ludhiana. I’m curious if there will be any discussions or workshops focused on how the industry can adapt to the growing demand for sustainability in printing. It’d be interesting to see how this global trend influences the local market.