Lifetime Achievement Award to Arun Mehta

The father-son duo of Arun and Bimal Mehta of Vakils and Sons were honoured with Awards by the Mumbai Mudrak Sangh (MMS). 

"Today, a print business set-up seems to be just out of a fairy tale with print shows and international technology being easily accessible to everyone. In the pre-independence days it was different," said Mehta.

Arun Mehta, in his capacity as the president of BMPA, endeavoured to make technology accessible by organising Pamex in different parts of the country – Bombay (now Mumbai), Banglore (now Bengaluru), and Calcutta (now Kolkatta). In addition, Arun Mehta’s contribution was being the mastermind for the first composite Indian print industry survey.

This was just one chapter from his 60 years in the print industry.

Tushar Dhote, president of Mumbai Mudrak Sangh (MMS), said, “The two gentlemen have been the industry outliers and have mastered the skill of moving with times. Their vision and business acumen have led the family business to achieve extraordinary heights and they deserve the award.”

Mona Doctor, daughter of late I M Doctor and Ramesh Kejriwal shared anecdotes about Arun Mehta as a 'dear uncle' and colleague, respectively.

Arun Mehta, in his speech, was humility and simplicity, personified. He took a walk down memory lane regaling the audience with anecdotes about the history of print in Mumbai and the importance of technology.

In lieu of his filial connections with Mahatma Gandhi, he pointed that what many people in the print industry do not know is that besides being the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi can also be called the father of Indian printing.

Mehta asked us to consider the facts that Mahatma Gandhi was an astute printer, publisher and journalist. Gandhi edited Indian Opinion, Young India, Navjivan and Harijan.

On 7 September 1919, Gandhi bought out the Navjivan weekly from Natwar printing press which is located near Khamasa Gate in Ahmedabad.

This, and the Vakils legacy ensured that Arun Mehta received two standing ovations from print VIPs present in the audience.

A honour, richly deserved.