P Sasikala: In the digital era, printing gives us a lot to explore

What is the USP of the print and packaging industry in India?
Digital ecosystem and the intelligent human resources of India.

As an educator, what have been the three biggest problems you have faced?
Identifying eligible faculty members, low awareness about the course among students and mentoring of departments.

How do you think these obstacles could be tackled creatively?
With the help of networked experts.

Which is your favourite subject and why is it important?
Digital printing and packaging. In the digital era, it gives us a lot to explore.

One innovation you implemented after listening to your student?
Mentoring of junior students by senior students.

Were you the minister of printing and packaging, how would you tackle the industry's problems creatively?
I will make sure that all institutes are adopted by an industry player of that geographical location. 

What ingredient do you seek among your young disciples?
Fast response and commitment among students. 

Your present preoccupation in the field of research?
Digital printing. 

One project you are excited about?
Anything that could benefit the local community.

Assuming you can align with a print or packaging association, what would be the three most important things you would expect from it?
Funds for R&D and research, qualified technical support and industry support.

The industry needs skilled professionals on the shopfloor, and different printing education institutes have been churning out printing professionals for decades now. Still, there seems to be a disconnect between industry and academia. Why? What do print teachers want from the industry? Read more in this series where PrintWeek asks 13 print gurus.