In an unforgettable evening filled with emotion and pride, the Offset Printers’ Association (OPA) bestowed the prestigious ‘Print Shree’ award upon Mr. A. Karmeham at the International Conference on Sustainable Printing and Packaging, held at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya. The moment marked a celebration of not just an individual, but a lifetime of unwavering dedication and relentless passion for the bettermentof the printing industry.
Dr Geetika Srivastava, in a heartfelt reading of the citation, encapsulated the essence of Mr. Karmeham’s journey. “Born into a lineage of printers, at 72 years young, Mr. Karmeham is an extraordinary soul whose heart beats for his community,” she expressed with warmth. “His contributions go far beyond business—he has tirelessly uplifted the lives of countless printers in Tamil Nadu through selfless acts, organizing eye camps, blood donation drives, and leading fire safety awareness programs. His vast knowledge as a technocrat has empowered entire communities, nurturing the printing and packaging industry in Salem and surrounding regions. His guidance has turned dreams into realities for young entrepreneurs who now flourish under his mentorship.”
The honour of presenting the siropa to Mr. Karmeham was undertaken by Mr. Ahmad Mughira Nurhani, President of the Indonesia Print Media Association. With emotion in his voice, Mr. Nurhani remarked, “It is a privilege beyond words to stand beside a man of such integrity and heart. Today, not only does India celebrate him, but Indonesia also shares in this profound joy, honouring him on behalf of OPA.”
Mr. Parveen Aggarwal, President of OPA, took the stage to highlight the deeper meaning of the award. “At OPA, we believe that recognizing true merit and selfless service is the bedrock of a thriving society. When those who genuinely contribute are overlooked, it opens the door for negativity to seep in. Today, by honouring Mr. Karmeham, we reaffirm our commitment to celebrating the deserving, the passionate, and those who elevate our industry. It is through their efforts that we ensure fairness, integrity, and progress.”
Amid applause, Mr. Tushar Singh, representing the Government of India’s Ministry of MSME, expressed his heartfelt admiration. “I feel blessed to witness such a powerful moment. The OPA’s gesture today is not just a celebration of one man—it is a testament to the values of our industry and the greatness we all strive for.”
With eyes glistening, Mr. A. Karmeham humbly accepted the award, expressing deep gratitude to Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra and the OPA. “This recognition touches my heart in ways I cannot fully express. To be honoured as ‘Print Shree’ is a dream I never thought possible. I am forever grateful, and my commitment to this industry is renewed with even greater passion. I will continue to serve with all my heart,” he shared, his voice filled with emotion. The event was a radiant gathering of industry stalwarts, academic leaders, and inspired students, all coming together to celebrate not just the man, but the legacy Mr.Karmeham has built—one that will continue to inspire generations to come.