The 18th edition of Print Summit, organized by the Bombay Master Printers Association, witnessed a record participation of over 1,100 attendees.

With industry leaders sharing deep insights, the event felt more like a leadership program than a conventional print conference. The keynote was delivered by Mr. Nitin Paranjpe, Non-Executive Chairman of HUL. Strategy and Leadership Coach Captain Raghu Raman shared powerful perspectives, while Ashish Vidyarthi and Anupam Kher inspired with their journeys. The event also featured an engaging “Laughter Riot” session by Cyrus Broacha and Kunal Vijaykar, inspiring story of Pravin Mehta’s road journey across globe, Amit Shah the Maveric of 2026 by Iqbal Kherodiwala along with thoughtful presentations by sponsors KBA and ITC.

Panel Discussion: Packaging Drives Premium

Panel discussion delivering powerful message from print buyers – Packaging creates value

Mohit Jain, Founder of KIMIRICA (luxury toiletries), shared how premium packaging allows them to command multiples in pricing for otherwise similar consumables. Through nuanced use of print and finishing techniques like foiling, textures, and refined design delivered a memorable and elevated first product interaction into a visually and tactilely engaging experience.

Siddhant, Founder of UGAOO, drew inspiration from his family’s seed business (est. 1885). After studying Landscape Architecture in the US, he launched UGAOO in 2015. He observed that nursery products lacked aesthetic appeal and reimagined packaging. Redesigned seed and fertilizer packs to innovative tube packaging for global plant shipping. His striking statement: “Sometimes packaging costs three times more than the product, but it adds real value to the business.”

They encouraged printers to collaborate with manufacturers to drive higher revenue and strong margins for both sides.

Brand strategist Prita Thadani emphasized that brand building today is what ad agencies once did in the pre-digital era; shaping identity and enabling successful launches.

Moderator Siddhi Shah summed it up aptly: Printers should maintain a clear “cheat sheet” of the processes they offer and evolve from mere production houses into co-creators, delivering both functional and emotional value.

Wisdom from Leaders

Nitin Paranjpe – On Ambition & Leadership

Ambition vs Resource

  • Ambition > Resources → Entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Ambition = Resources → Managerial mindset.
  • Leaders must create a deliberate mismatch between ambition and resources.

On Failures

  • Failures happen because of tactical moves instead of strategic plan.
  • Always do the right things; right results follow.
  • Longer one waits, harder and expensive it becomes.
  • No excuses. No denial. Do not play victim card.
  • Honeymoon does not last forever. But it need not end in a nightmare.

In 2009, facing growth challenges, instead of adding 25–30K stores annually, he set a bold target of 500K new stores in a year. The “unbelievable” goal removed fear of failure. The organization stopped negotiating and simply executed. By year three, they had added 600K stores.

Why it worked:

  • People want action.
  • People want purpose which inspires collectively and commits individually.
  • Meaningful work drives commitment. Tasks should not be transactional.
  • Absence of trust will paralyze people.

A leader’s role:

  • Create conditions that build trust.
  • Vision – find what people will not let it go.
  • Stretch ambition beyond comfort.

Captain Raghu Raman – On Innovation

He narrated an insightful story: A bureaucrat introduced a GPS app to help Kerala fishermen return safely during storms. The fishermen, already skilled at reading weather patterns, used the app innovatively. They would drop nets and bait ad come back next day to same spot using GPS App dramatically increasing their catch.

Lesson: Humans creatively repurpose solutions beyond their original intent.

Closing Reflections

From the stage came powerful reminders:

  • It doesn’t matter where you come from; it matters where you are headed.
  • You are valuable only when you add value.
  • Failure is never a person — only an event.
  • Engage with the emerging.
  • Satisfaction comes not from being full, but from being fulfilled.

Print Summit 2026 was not just about print. It was about leadership, ambition, innovation from press room to board room.

Gratitude to Team BMPA for their time and effort for organizing this event. Looking forward to PS27.

santosh@insoftautomation.com