The department of printing and packaging technology, College of Engineering Guindy (CEG), Anna University, hosted the South Zone finale of the seventh edition of the Manoj B Mehta Print Olympiad 2026 on 11 May 2026.
Organized by the Offset Printers Association (OPA), the event — one of the biggest talent hunts in the printing and packaging industry — once again highlighted Anna University’s dominance, with its students having secured the national title four times.
The program commenced with a welcome address by K Vipinendran, head of the department, who urged students to prepare for the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world by cultivating adaptability, continuous learning, and strong leadership.
B Kumar, retired professor and former head of the department, motivated students by stressing the importance of self-discipline, self-conquest, and effective time management. “There are no difficult people, only different people,” he said.
A Nallathambi, founder & president of IAT Technologies and IAT Solutions, Chennai, delivered a forward-looking address on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence and automation in revolutionising printing and packaging operations, highlighting major gains in productivity and efficiency.
Chief guest N Kumara Perumal, joint managing director, Ganesh Cartons, Chennai, emphasized that discipline, punctuality, and time management are invaluable assets for personal and professional success. He advised students to cherish intangible assets such as moral values and discipline received from parents more than material possessions.
The event featured an eminent jury panel that ensured fair and credible evaluation — K. Senthil Vadivu (professor, department of printing and packaging technology, Anna University), KBS Shanmuga Sundaram (senior vice president – operations, Amnet Content Source), GN Visvakumar (managing director, Rajams Digital Offset Prints, Chennai), GK Kalairajan (managing director, Mayuraa Pack, Chennai), and Jeetendra J (The Print Specialist, Chennai).
Kamal Mohan Chopra, project chairman, and the brain behind the Print Olympiad, was felicitated for his commitment to fostering industry-academia collaboration. The competition was conducted in three stages. After a national-level online preliminary round, top performers advanced to the zonal finals. At the South Zone Finale hosted by Anna University, four finalists delivered technical presentations on key topics in printing and packaging. They were evaluated on technical knowledge, presentation skills, communication, analytical thinking, and industry awareness.
Saranadithya D emerged victorious as the ‘Top Print Student of South Zone’ through his outstanding performance. He will now represent the South Zone at the Grand Finale to be held during All in Print on 14 October 2026 at Shanghai, China, where he will compete against winners from the other three zones for the coveted national title of India’s Top Print Student.
The Offset Printers Association (OPA) expressed gratitude to the South Zone coordinators — JP Nirmala (Anna University), M. Nandakumar (Arasan Ganesan Polytechnic College), T Murugesan (Institute of Printing Technology), and P Murugapandian (Nachimuthu Polytechnic College) — for their planning and tireless efforts. Special certificates, mementos, and Pragati Calendars were presented to all four host institutions of the South Zone.
Congratulating all participants, the department noted that such platforms continue to nurture young talent and bring pride to Anna University on national and international platforms.
