In this digital era, especially when raw material and GST rates are scaling new heights, and demand for commercial printing is decreasing globally, the only mantra for success is to work in close cooperation and develop greater networking. The age old saying “United we Stand, Divided we Fall,” quoted by visionaries and leaders on numerous occasions holds good for the printing community too.
In a country as diverse as India which boasts of having 2,50,000 printing companies, the highest in the world, an event like ‘Printers’ Unity Day’ holds special significance. It aims to unite printers falling under various categories, regions, employee strength, and with different technologies used. On 22 October, printers in India will wear the ‘PROUD TO BE A PRINTER’ badge in a show of unity, solidarity, and strength.
Speaking about the purpose and necessity of the event, Parveen Aggarwal, President of India’s Offset Printers Association (OPA) says that “the Printers’ Unity Day will provide an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of the printers of the country to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, networking, and strength of the printing industry.” He further said that every year, 22nd October will be observed as Printers’ Ekta Diwas (Printers’ Unity Day) on a global scale. National and international level networking seminars are also arranged on this day.
On his part, President of Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP) Peter Deckker appreciated the idea of celebrating the Printers’ Unity Day, as “an attitude that needs to be nurtured across the world.” Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Kamal Chopra, President of the World Print & Communication Forum (WPCF) says, “Let’s be together to help each other, to show that we are really ‘Proud Printers’ trying to hold hands rather than pulling legs, and who can jointly succeed and conquer any challenge.”
