Be Unstoppable: Lessons, innovations, and sustainability from Print Summit 2025 — The Noel D’Cunha Sunday Column

BMPA President Tushar Bhotica set the Summit’s tone with a powerful message on resilience and sustainability. "Progress loses its value when achieved at the cost of integrity and environmental responsibility," said Tushar Bhotica.

He urged the industry to embrace sustainable practices, linking them to the long-term health of businesses and the planet. "We must pause to consider the impact of our actions on society and future generations," Bhotica remarked, drawing inspiration from the lines of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, "Tū na thakegā kabhī, tū na thamegā kabhī, tū na mudegā kabhī."

Bhotica also highlighted the symbolic importance of timing the Summit with Uttarayana and Makar Sankranti, festivals representing renewal and progress. "Solar energy is a perfect metaphor for our theme—sustainability reminds us of our responsibility to create a brighter future," he said.

"Being unstoppable means moving forward with focus and integrity, adapting to challenges while staying true to our values," Bhotica concluded, inspiring delegates to innovate responsibly and embrace resilience as a guiding philosophy. He urged the industry to embrace practices that balance growth with environmental stewardship.

Connecting the dots: Anand Kripalu’s leadership journey
At the Bombay Master Printers' Association’s (BMPA) Print Summit 2025, Anand Kripalu, managing director and CEO of EPL, shared transformative lessons from his career.

Delivering the keynote address, Kripalu captivated the audience with stories from his leadership journey, offering a blend of strategic insight and personal reflection. "Leadership is about setting a clear ambition and focusing on the transformative goals that truly matter," said Anand Kripalu. Kripalu’s story underscored ambition and focus as cornerstones of success, from revitalising Unilever East Africa to steering EPL through crises.

Anand Kripalu

Kripalu’s time at Cadbury during its infestation crisis highlighted the power of packaging and celebrity endorsement in rebuilding trust. "Packaging saved the day, proving that tangible changes paired with strong messaging can rebuild consumer confidence," Kripalu reflected.

His leadership at Diageo involved bold decisions, including halving the number of factories and retiring misleading brands, to prioritise ethical marketing. "We transformed not just operations but the very perception of the business by focusing on values-driven growth," said Kripalu. Now at EPL, his vision of making it the most sustainable packaging company showcases his commitment to growth through responsibility. "Sustainability isn’t just a choice; it’s the future of our industry," he noted.

Kripalu’s keynote resonated with delegates as he shared five key lessons that have shaped his approach to leadership: setting the right ambition, focusing on transformative goals, fostering a performance-driven culture, growing through internal effort, and winning ethically. "Focus and perseverance are critical. By mastering fewer, impactful priorities, we can achieve greater results," he emphasised.

Kripalu’s emphasis on connecting the dots, inspired by Steve Jobs’ iconic Stanford address, urged the audience to trust in their journeys and create a legacy of impact. By drawing on real-life examples and aligning them with actionable insights, Kripalu offered a blueprint for navigating challenges and unlocking potential.

AI in Printing: Transforming the Industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as a game-changer in printing during a panel led by Milap Shah of PrintStop. Industry leaders Shiva Vishwanathan of Catenate and Manu Choudhury of CDC Printers demonstrated AI’s potential, from automating client engagement to enhancing design workflows.

Vishwanathan of Catenate focused on AI’s transformative role in the creative process. “AI won’t replace creativity; it will enhance it,” he stated. “By offering rapid iterations and visual prototypes, tools like Adobe Firefly allow designers to explore a broader spectrum of ideas.” Vishwanathan likened AI to a “bouncing board,” helping teams refine their concepts more efficiently.

Vishwanathan opened by challenging traditional perceptions in the industry. "Printers often see themselves as service providers sitting in a corner of the brand universe," he remarked. "In reality, advertising, design, and print are deeply interconnected, and we need to embrace our role in shaping the brand’s identity."

He described designing packaging for a fictitious coffee brand in just a day as a compelling example. “I started with ChatGPT, which helped refine the brand brief by asking pointed questions about the product’s flavour profile and target audience,” he explained. The concepts were developed into visual prototypes using Adobe Firefly and other AI-powered tools. “Within hours, I could create three distinct packaging designs that captured the essence of authenticity, tradition, and organic appeal,” he added.

Testing designs have also become more precise, thanks to advancements in visual attention software. “These tools can predict where a consumer’s focus will land on a package,” Vishwanathan explained. “They show the hierarchy of attention—what catches the eye first and what might need improvement. It’s a game-changer for ensuring your design communicates effectively.”

(l— r) Milap Shah, Manu Choudhury and Shiva Vishwanathan

Choudhury of CDC Printers elaborated on AI’s operational benefits. “Imagine receiving a purchase order from a customer and having an AI system process it—checking stock, creating a job card, scheduling machine time, and sending a delivery commitment—all within seconds,” Choudhury explained. He emphasised how tools like generative AI streamline operations, drastically reducing manual effort and improving accuracy.

Choudhury also showcased innovative in-house developments, including an AI-powered WhatsApp bot. “Clients can send a casual text or voice note requesting the status of a job, and the AI system interfaces with our ERP to provide updates seamlessly,” he shared. This innovation goes beyond simple queries, enabling clients to detail customised packaging requirements, with the system generating accurate estimates in real time.

Highlighting quality control advancements, Choudhury described an AI-powered camera system for binding machines. “Traditional systems cost upwards of ₹1 crore and often cause false positives, but our solution, developed for just ₹15,000, significantly reduces errors and can be retrofitted to any machine,” he noted.

Milap Shah, who steered the panel discussion, highlighted how AI acts as a leveller, making advanced technologies accessible even to smaller firms. “Generative AI is like pickleball—it’s a great equaliser,” quipped Choudhury, underscoring the transformative potential for businesses of all sizes.

Sports, youth, and grassroots impact: Adidas’ vision for India
Neelendra Singh, genITC’s rural revolution: Sustainability and inclusioneral manager at Adidas India, presented an optimistic roadmap for India’s burgeoning USD 130-billion sports market. Celebrating Adidas’ 75-year legacy, Singh underscored the company’s commitment to grassroots talent development through initiatives like the Indian Track Foundation (ITF). "Sports have the power to transform lives, and at Adidas, we believe in making that transformation accessible to everyone," said Singh.

Singh highlighted India’s diverse demographics, with 655 million sports fans spanning urban, rural, and female audiences. "India’s youth, especially Gen Z, are changing the game by embracing sports not just as entertainment but as a lifestyle," Singh remarked. He also pointed to the significant role of rural areas, which now account for 59% of the fanbase.

Singh shared the inspiring journey of Pratigya Panna, an athlete from rural Jharkhand who rose to national acclaim with ITF’s support. Adidas’ support includes professional coaching, access to world-class facilities, and nutritional programs tailored to athlete needs. "By focusing on holistic development, we ensure that talent from underserved areas can thrive and compete at the highest levels," said Singh. He highlighted how initiatives like these are breaking barriers and creating pathways for countless aspiring athletes in rural India. "Pratigya’s story reflects our mission—uplifting underserved talent and preparing them for the global stage," said Singh. By addressing diverse demographics, including rural and female sports fans, Adidas aims to transform India into a global sporting powerhouse. "Our guiding mantra, ‘Hum nahi karenge toh kaun karega’ (If we don’t do it, then who will?), encapsulates our responsibility toward grassroots development," he added.

Adidas’ collaboration with the Indian Track Foundation has yielded remarkable results, including over 90 medals at national and state championships since 2020. Singh concluded, "The best part of our journey in India is yet to come, and we are committed to ensuring that sports and opportunity reach every corner of this great nation."

Prabhakar Lingareddy of ITC spotlighted the company’s afforestation initiatives, which have greened over 1.1 million acres and created 212 million person-days of rural employment. For instance, in the village of Iravendi in Bhadradri Kothagudem, ITC’s efforts have enabled sustainable farming across 401 acres, directly benefiting 211 farmers and their families. Additionally, water storage facilities amounting to 17,266 cubic meters have been developed, addressing the community’s critical water needs while also supporting agricultural productivity. "Afforestation is not just about planting trees; it’s about empowering communities and securing livelihoods," said Prabhakar Lingareddy.

Through a granular, family-centric approach, ITC empowers small farmers and marginalised communities while tackling environmental challenges. Lingareddy shared the example of Bhadradri Kothagudem, where ITC’s interventions enabled sustainable farming on 401 acres, benefiting over 400 households. "Sustainability begins at the grassroots. By integrating water conservation and agroforestry, we’ve demonstrated how holistic solutions can transform rural economies," he remarked.

The company’s watershed interventions have been equally impactful, conserving over 56.69 million cubic meters of water and improving agricultural outcomes across vast areas. "Water is life, and our efforts ensure that this vital resource supports both agriculture and the environment," Lingareddy added.

 Prabhakar Lingareddy

ITC’s social investments extend beyond afforestation. Through its vocational training initiatives, the company has equipped over 1 lakh candidates with job-ready skills. "Our programs are designed to provide a sustainable livelihood for marginalised communities," Lingareddy noted. He also highlighted the success of ITC’s women empowerment programme, which has reached over 3.5 lakh women, creating avenues for financial independence.

The e-Choupal initiative stands as another hallmark of ITC’s commitment to rural transformation. "With 6,100 kiosks spanning 10 states, we’ve connected over 4 million farmers to market information and resources, revolutionising agricultural productivity," he explained. Additionally, ITC’s solid waste management projects have benefitted 12.4 million households, addressing critical urban and rural waste issues.

Lingareddy also underscored the importance of reflection and forward planning. "We consistently ask ourselves: So what? What next? This mindset ensures that our initiatives remain dynamic and aligned with the evolving needs of society and the environment," he said. This approach not only sustains the impact of ITC’s projects but also drives innovation and adaptability in addressing new challenges.

Lingareddy urged businesses to view social investments as long-term commitments that ensure mutual prosperity. Reflecting on the late chairman of ITC, YC Deveshwar’s adage, he concluded by saying, "Businesses cannot sustain in failing societies. It’s our collective responsibility to protect the environment, drive growth, and create enduring value.”

Mavericks of printing: Khushru Patel and K Selvakumar
The ITK Show celebrated the ingenuity of Khushru Patel of Jak Printers and K Selvakumar of Lovely Offset have redefined the benchmarks for innovation and sustainability in the printing industry.

Patel’s Jak Printers, renowned for its 33 international and over 400 national awards, has consistently pushed boundaries in print quality and creative execution. "Quality isn’t an act; it’s a habit," Patel emphasised, showcasing his commitment to excellence. His ventures beyond printing, such as developing innovative dairy production machinery, reflect his ability to apply problem-solving skills across industries.

Selvakumar’s Lovely Offset, situated in Sivakasi, stands as a testament to environmental responsibility and technological innovation. The company’s surplus solar energy production and rainwater harvesting projects have transformed its operations while reviving local water resources. "It’s not just about making profits but creating a legacy of giving back to the environment," Selvakumar noted. With over 3,00,000 trees planted and plans for one crore more,

Lovely Offset’s commitment to sustainability remains unparalleled. Patel’s journey from a modest press to an award-winning facility exemplifies his relentless pursuit of quality. "Quality isn’t an act; it’s a habit," said Khushru Patel, reflecting on his approach to both business and life. Beyond printing, Patel’s ventures, including innovations in the dairy industry, underline his problem-solving prowess. "Whether it’s printing or dairy, the principles of efficiency and creativity remain the same," he added.

(l— r) Khushru Patel and K Selvakumar

Selvakumar’s environmental initiatives, such as planting forests and reviving water tables in Sivakasi, demonstrate his commitment to sustainability. "It’s not just about making profits but creating a legacy of giving back to the environment," said K. Selvakumar. He highlighted his efforts to plant over 3,00,000 trees and reduce the water table depth from 800 feet to just 25 feet in some areas.

Iqbal Kherodawala, who led the session, described both leaders as true mavericks. "A maverick sees opportunities where others see limitations," said Kherodawala. Highlighting Patel’s and Selvakumar’s unique approaches, he added, "They redefine success by blending innovation, resilience, and a commitment to societal good." Kherodawala concluded by emphasising their shared philosophy: "It’s not just about solving today’s problems but creating a better future for all."

Both leaders exemplify how visionaries can balance business success with meaningful contributions to society. "After a point, you realise money isn’t everything. It’s about giving back," Selvakumar concluded, reinforcing the importance of balancing profit with purpose and innovation with responsibility.

Koenig & Bauer’s offerings
Sascha Fisher of Koenig & Bauer introduced groundbreaking technologies like the VariJet 106 hybrid press and CutPro X rotary die-cutter. These innovations offer unmatched flexibility and efficiency, enabling printers to handle diverse materials and complex operations seamlessly. "We’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in printing and die-cutting to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market," said Sascha Fisher.

Highlighting the VariJet 106, Fisher explained, "This hybrid press combines the best of offset and digital printing, allowing for high-quality, customised production at scale." He also discussed the efficiency of the CutPro X rotary die-cutter, noting, "With the capability to cut, crease, stamp, and even add Braille in one pass, this machine delivers unparalleled productivity."

Fisher emphasised Koenig & Bauer’s commitment to sustainability, noting that their technologies align with the printing industry’s push toward eco-friendly solutions. "Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s a guiding principle in our innovation pipeline," he remarked. The company’s global partnerships and focus on customer-centric development were also highlighted as key drivers of its success.

Tally’s story: From a garage to 26 lakh customers
Bharat and Tejas Goenka of Tally Solutions recounted their journey from a modest garage operation to becoming a trusted software provider for over 26 lakh customers. "The journey of Tally began with a simple mission: to make accounting and business management simpler for users," said Bharat Goenka, co-founder of Tally Solutions.

Bharat shared anecdotes from Tally’s early days, including carrying computers in baskets for demonstrations. "Back then, people were hesitant to use computers, let alone software. Our goal was to design a product so intuitive that users wouldn’t need extensive training," he explained. This philosophy of simplicity remains central to Tally’s success.

Tejas Goenka, managing director of Tally Solutions, reflected on the company’s adaptability over decades. "What fascinates me is how Tally evolved alongside India’s service boom, adapting to the needs of small businesses while remaining accessible," Tejas remarked.

(l— r) Tejas and Bharat Goenka of Tally Solutions

Bharat emphasised the importance of customer-centric policies, such as money-back guarantees. "If a product doesn’t solve the customer’s problem, it has no business being in the market. That’s why we stand by our commitment to customer satisfaction," he stated.

Their focus on user-friendly design and continuous innovation underscores Tally’s role as a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes, cementing its place as a pioneer in the software industry.

Transparency and trust: Lessons from Asian Paints
KBS Anand of Asian Paints attributed the company’s success to talent empowerment, customer transparency, and market-specific innovations. "Transparency with customers isn’t just a strategy; it’s the foundation of trust," said KBS Anand.

He shared how empowering talent played a pivotal role in the company’s growth. "We hired gold medallists from top institutions and gave them the freedom to make decisions. This autonomy fosters innovation and accountability," Anand explained.

Anand also highlighted the company’s adaptability to local needs, such as introducing smaller paint cans suited for Indian consumers. "Understanding market requirements and responding with precision is what differentiates us," he noted. By building strong dealer relationships and ensuring on-time delivery, Asian Paints earned its reputation for reliability. "The more transparent we are, the more trust we build—and trust is the cornerstone of long-term success," Anand concluded.

KBS Anand

Reflecting on the evolving landscape of customer expectations, Anand remarked, "In a world of instant communication, businesses must align their actions with their words more than ever before. Transparency is not just a demand but a necessity for sustainable relationships." He also underscored the role of digital transformation, adding, "Technology has enabled us to connect with our customers more effectively, ensuring their needs are met with precision and speed. Embracing these tools is crucial for staying ahead in today’s competitive environment."