The fifth edition of the T Prasad Memorial Gold Medal competition for 2026—open to certificate and diploma-level students of printing from across India—was held at the Northern Regional Institute of Printing Technology (NRIPT).
This contest, brainchild of Kamal Mohan Chopra, was hosted by the Offset Printers Association (OPA). Deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya was chief guest and Sanjay Srivastava was guest of honour.
A total of 23 students, nominated by 12 premier institutions representing all four zones of the nation, participated in the contest. West India led the participation with 12 students from six institutes, followed by five students from three North Indian institutes, and four students each from the South and East zones (two institutions apiece).
Five finalists advanced to the oral stage — Ankit Santosh Gupta (GIPT, Mumbai); Biten Sarkar (RIPT, Kolkata); Niraj Kumar (GP, Patna-7); Priya Kumari (GP, Patna-7); and Utkarsh Sharma (GP, Chandausi).
In the final oral round, each contestant delivered an extempore speech of at least five minutes on a given topic, followed by a probing question-and-answer session and lively audience interaction.
A panel of five judges evaluated the performances. Emerging Priya Kumari of Government Polytechnic, Patna-7, was crowned PrintStar 2026. Keshav Prasad Maurya conferred upon her the winning certificate along with a cash prize of ₹25,000.
Kamal Mohan Chopra said, “Today’s competition has once again proved that talent in the printing industry knows no regional boundaries. The confidence, clarity of thought and technical understanding displayed by all five finalists was truly inspiring. I congratulate Priya Kumari on her outstanding performance and on becoming PrintStar 2026.”
Sanjay Srivastava, vice chancellor of MG University Motihari and Guest of Honour, expressed his appreciation. “It is heartening to see diploma-level students from different corners of the country competing with such maturity and technical depth. Initiatives like the T Prasad Memorial Gold Medal play a vital role in recognizing and nurturing young talent in the printing and graphic arts sector. I congratulate Ms Priya Kumari and all the finalists for their excellent performance.”
Keshav Prasad Maurya congratulated the winner and the organisers. “I am delighted to be present at this unique national competition that encourages skill development among our young students. The printing industry is an important contributor to education, communication and economic growth. I congratulate Ms Priya Kumari for her remarkable achievement and urge all the participating students to continue striving for excellence. I would also like to specially commend the Offset Printers Association for their visionary leadership and tireless commitment in conceptualising and organising such a prestigious national platform.”
Chopra announced that the T Prasad Memorial Gold Medal would be formally conferred upon the winner at a special celebration to be held later at her own institute in the presence of her classmates and faculty.
