OPA honors top print student

India-based Offset Printers' Association has presented the B.R. Chowdhri Memorial Gold Medal and a cheque of 25,000 INR to C. Harshavardhan, a final-year student in the printing and packaging program at the Central University of Haryana in Mahendragarh, during OPA's annual general meeting at the Scarlett Hall of Nirvana Luxury Hotel in Ludhiana.

Harshavardhan clinched the top spot unanimously in OPA's competitive print showcase held on November 11, 2025, at Central University of Haryana, earning him the title of 'CUH Print Student of the Year 2025'. This accolade, established by OPA in honor of B.R. Chowdhri, a trailblazing figure in Indian printing education, recognizes innovation and skill in the field. The NIPA Educational Trust supports the cash prize.

'At OPA, we view it as our sacred duty not only to nurture talented students but also to champion print education and inspire the youth to embrace printing as a rewarding career,' Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra, a distinguished print personality, stated in his congratulatory address at the ceremony. 'OPA remains steadfast in advancing printing education and recognizing talent, offering membership to printing and packaging firms nationwide while championing global innovation and excellence. I urge students to face challenges boldly—every obstacle holds the promise of triumph. True excellence is forged through unwavering perseverance and resolve, virtues embodied by Shri B.R. Chowdhri and now alive in our emerging trailblazers.'

Reflecting on the award's namesake, Chopra honored the late Shri B.R. Chowdhri (1938-2024), a visionary post-press educator at the Northern Regional Institute of Printing Technology in Prayagraj, whose mentorship forged generations of industry leaders.

'This recognition from OPA is far more than a badge of honor,' Harshavardhan shared. 'Since the announcement, I've been flooded with job opportunities and inquiries from across the industry. What's even more heartening is that my classmates are also reaping the benefits—social media buzz around the competition has sparked placement calls from various organizations for several of us.'