The news has been greeted by an outpouring of grief from senior members of the AIFMP.

VK Malik of Digital Impressions said, “The passing away of Viren Chhabra for me is a personal loss, as apart from his exalted position in the print industry, he was a very dear friend and a mentor with whom I have shared many occasions, business and pleasure. His contribution to the print industry is unparallel. What many don't know about his joie de vivre and his enthusiasm for all things new and fun, he had the ability to interact with people much younger and participate in every adventure. We will miss him sorely.”

Chhabra had been ailing for some time.

During the 236th GC meeting of AIFMP held at Udaipur on 24-25 June 2017, Kamal Chopra, president, AIFMP, announced the institution of the Viren Chhabra Print Leadership Award. Named after AIFMP member Viren Chhabra, the Award has been instituted to honour Chhabra’s legacy of a lifetime of support and accomplishments for AIFMP.

“Viren Chhabra has contributed immensely to the printing industry. His contribution to AIFMP has been exemplary. He is, in real term, a path-maker for the AIFMP,” Chopra said.

The Award will carry a citation, shawl, memento and cash amount of Rs 1 lakh. Towards this, the Chhabra family has contributed an amount of Rs 7 lakh to AIFMP.

Other notable contributors towards the funding of the Award includes Vijay Kumar Chopra; Offset Printers Association, Ludhiana; Kerala Master Printers Association; TechNova Imaging Systems; Arvind Mardikar; Karnataka Offset Printers Association; AMSG Ashokan and Graphic Imaging and Processing Association, Delhi.

Thusfar, AIFMP has so far raised Rs 18 lakh for the cause.