vol. xxi | no. 2 | march 20....

` 20. 00Vol. XXI | No. 2 | March - April 2017

Print MiracleThe Official Journal of Kerala Master Printers Association

Vol. XXI No. 2March - April 2017

Editor : Raju N. KuttyEditorial Board : P. S. Rajan Magesh Karthik Suresh Biju Jose Asst. Editor : Abhilash Fraizer

Office Bearers of KMPA

President : S. SajiGeneral Secretary : G. RajeshTreasurer : Yeldho K. GeorgeImmediate Past President : G. VenugopalJoint Secretary : R. Haridas Co-ordinator : O. Venugopal

Vice PresidentsCentral : T.F. JamesNorth : C.R. NandakumarSouth : K. MadhusoodhananHeadquarters : R. Gopakumar

Committee Chairmen

Exhibitions : G. VenugopalPublication : Raju N. KuttyMembership Promotion : Ajith Jose C.Training & HRD : D. Manmohan ShenoyAwards : K. P. UthupHospitality & Recreation : Shaji ManjooranExport Promotion : K.P. SabuMachinery : T.N. SajeevanTechnology : Magesh Karthik SureshPaper & Raw Material : Roy ThomasLand & Building : Nazir MarikavilGovt. Affairs & Taxation : Joseph MuttathottilWebsite & Media : Biju Jose

G.C. Members-AIFMP : O. Venugopal : G. Venugopal : K.C. Sanjeev : Raju N. Kutty

For commercial and editorial:

Kerala Master Printers’ Association Casa Grante Building, 2nd Floor, Deshabhimani Junction, Cochin - 682 017. Phone : 0484 - 4042715 E-mail : [email protected] [email protected] Website : www.kmpa.in

Published by Mr. R. Suresh, former President, KMPA on behalf of Kerala Master Printers Association, Cochin - 17 and printed by him at Orange Printers (P) Ltd., Thiruvananthapuram - 695 001 for Jasmine Grafix.

All rights reserved. Views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the KMPA or the editor or the publisher and they accept no responsibility for them.

RNI Reg. No. 65957/96

President’s Desk .............................................................................................3Augmented Reality in Printing .........................................................................5Let’s welcome GST the way the world has comprehended ..............................11My literary experiment with Assam and the Caged Monkey ............................14Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram 2017 .................................................................17Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram 2017 - Winners .................................................21Print Miracle Expo - 2017 .............................................................................22‘Swachh Printing’ with ‘Akron Range’.............................................................29Know your member .......................................................................................30Industry News ...............................................................................................33

Dear Friends

First and foremost, please accept our apologies for the delay in getting across this issue to all of you. We shall strive to correct this anomaly and release the magazine during the appropriate

times in the future.

The implementation of GST has been a humungous effort countrywide and as expected, there will be glitches. Many questions remain but the overall reality emerging is that there has been lot of thought put into the implementation of GST and the larger aim is definitely to make it easier to do business rather than the other way around. Of course, we Keralites are habituated to resist anything and everything first; before even thoroughly understanding what it is about. Venuji has studied the subject and written an objective analysis of GST and what it entails for various businesses. I found it a very good read and am sure, so will you.

We carry in this issue an interesting piece on Augmented Reality in Printing written by my colleague Mr Pradeep Kulakkada who is also a passionate print consultant. My colleague Abhilash has also contributed his regular feature on writers. This time he has written about P.F. Mathews who scripted the award winning movie “Kutty Srank”.

We have detailed reports on the “Print Miracle Expo - 2017” and “Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram - 2017”; both of which were momentous events with lot of participation from printers statewide. The fact that both the Chief Minister and the Industries Minister of Kerala spared the effort to come down all the way to CIAL shows two things – 1) The government is serious about supporting business and industry and walks the talk and 2) the printing industry has arrived. I think both of these are very positive developments.

Thank you very much friends.

Raju N. Kutty Editor

Print Miracle | March - April 2017 | 2


Dear friends,

I have immense joy to say that the month of April this year had been a very fruitful month for Kerala Master Printers Association, for more than one reason.

It was in this month that two of our most prestigious events took place and emerged a grand success. One was ‘Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram - 2017’, the second edition of KMPA Print Awards and the other one was ‘Print Miracle Expo - 2017’, Kerala’s biggest Print Exhibition organized by KMPA.

I personally congratulate Chairman of Print Award committee and our beloved member Mr. K P Uthup for his profoundly committed efforts for the success of the event. The contributions by G. Venugopal, the Chairman of the Expo 2017, KMPA Secretary G. Rajesh and other team members are invaluable. Every member of KMPA worked hard to raise the bench mark. I also thank the jury for the excellent way of handpicking the winners.

During the Print Award, we witnessed a great team work by all the members of Kerala Master Printers Association. The event brought together under one roof all the members of the Association scattered at various districts of Kerala. Everybody has done their part excellently.

Every member of KMPA can be very proud of the Print Miracle Expo 2017, which showcased the latest technological progress in printing industry. At the Expo, we had the presence of some of the leading brands like Canon, Heidelberg, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, Xerox, Welbound and Megabound.

I think we should judge the success of the Expo on the basis of the quality of visitors. Even though the number of visitors was not so huge, I can confidently say that people with purchasing power have visited the Expo. We have been able to target the right people and attract them to the Expo.

We were very privileged to have the esteemed presence of honourable personalities like the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Hon’ble Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly Shri. P. Sreeramakrishnan, and Hon’ble Industries Minister of Kerala Shri. A.C. Moideen for both these events.

I thank everybody for the support and co-operation to take our association to greater heights.

Regards,

S. SajiPresident


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computer inter face. “Augmented reality” can be better understood as opposed to the more familiar concept of “Virtual Reality”. In the case of Virtual Reality, a user is immersed in a virtual environment completely created at the computer, and in Augmented Reality, the virtual elements are overlaid and integrated

Augmented reality is a hot topic of discussion that is attracting the media and technology sectors.

Does augmented reality contribute any new trends in print media industry? Does it generate a new revenue streams to the industry? This is an attempt to address these questions and tries to highlight the opportunities and benefits of augmented reality in the sector.

What is augmented reality?It is an emerging technology which

allows the real time blending of digital information possessed by a computer with information from the real world by using a

into the real physical space. The information implicitly associated with a context is made usable and is directly accessible by using augmented reality interface (augmented reality is normally abbreviated as AR). The first annotations of the physical world with computer-generated information occurred in the 1960s. Ivan Sutherland can be credited with starting the field that would eventually turn into both VR and AR. In 1965, he postulated the ultimate display. For about ten years, the technology has slowly begun

Pradeep Kulakkada

Augmented Reality in Printing


to migrate from research laboratories to the market in applications ranging from marketing to entertainment, to advanced visualization, maintenance, design, medicine and publishing. Due to the high usage of smart phones, new type of augmented reality applications has made its entrance into the market. AR applications for mobile devices allow users to view “augmented” images of their immediate surroundings, directly on the screen of their phone.

AR – more than ink on paperIn the past, print media and print content

publishers were the unchallenged dominators of the world of information. Now we are in the middle of transition phase. Both print and digital media provide people with content, designed for the digital world, begin to manage resources comparable and in some cases even more than the print counterparts. This phenomenon is leading publishers to think carefully and critically about the future of publishing. In future, any printed materials will provide additional content in association with a camera, an algorithm that recognizes the content of the page, and a platform for the retrieval of digital data associated with it.

Media for the new eraThe traditional print media suffer from

some important limitations with respect to new media.

They are H Uni directionality and Linearity of

communicationH Static Contents - Poor or no interactivity H “Closed” and “un-contextual” information H “Passive” enjoyment - High degree of

opacity of contentsH Mono-media.

In new media, starting from Internet to Augmented Reality, we do have quite different features:

H Bi-directionality and circularity of communication

H Dynamic ContentsH High degree of interactivityH “Open” and contextual informationH “Active” enjoyment H Low degree of opacity of contentsH Multi-modality and cross-modality

The strength of Augmented Reality lies mainly in the ability of the technology to “close the gap” between the digital world and the real world, thus preventing a potential and incurable fracture.


Print mediaIt is mainly based on the printer paper

having so much of intrinsic limitations. It is uni directional. The message is conveyed from sender to receiver. Moreover, all the communications send are static.

PCs, laptops, mobiles and networksThe worldwide emergence and spread

of computers and networks including internet, has triggered a radical change in the way information is created and used. The remarkable features of these new

devices enable a completely new way to communicate. Unlike traditional media, new media embody a bidirectional model of communication. According to this model, the sender and the recipient build, by means of interaction. The active role of participants together with interactivity, enhanced today by new “social features”, is an essential characteristic of these kinds of media. In addition to text and static images, today you can easily enjoy audio or video content together. With the help of computer graphics it is even possible to enjoy the reconstruction of remote or possible situations. So the contents are live, not static. In short in this medium, you can integrate text, audio, video, 3D, etc.. in one medium. With the advent and spread of new generation mobile devices, the necessary conditions for a real revolution in the media and publishing industry have been

laid. It gives a high level of contextualization of information.

Augmented Reality relates to the access of context-sensitive information. AR technology requires the use of devices equipped with appropriate sensors, which allow users to interact with their environment. One of the most common sensors in AR applications is the webcam. This is used as an “electronic eye” in combination with suitable computer vision algorithms that extract “features” from the video stream of information. Other types of sensors used increasingly to put digital

content in context are GPS, accelerometers, compass and gyroscopes. These sensors are now standard equipment of the latest generation of mobiles.

AR in print and media industry – factors

Augmented Reality plays a key role in the transition from paper to digital. Among the factors that are intended to shape the future of the publishing sector we can mention the following: -

H Growing adoption worldwide of latest generation of smart phones

H Establishment of various “Apps Stores”H Increasing adoption of Internet on mobile

devices H The recognition by major international

brands of the mobile sales channels

H Establishment of mobile Commerce (m Commerce).

H Growing adoption of Tablet mobile devices H A tendency towards the creation of cross

media systems while the same content migrates on different technological platforms and distribution channels (Internet, ebook, print, mobile devices).

AR Publishing - GoalsAugmented Reality can meet a broad

spectrum of goals linked to the promotion of value in the editorial domain.

Marketing Goals: -H Increase the number of copies sold or the

output of current volumes H Address the offer to new or larger users’

basins H Create new revenue streams from

advertising H Improve readers’ loyalty with converging

publishing products that are more in line with current trends and readers’ needs.

Functional Goals: - H Reduce cognitive overload on the reader H Increase quantity and types of

information available in the same act of enjoyment

H Increase the level of “presence” and engagement experienced by readers

H Improve the performance of readers in learning and retaining information.


Revenue from AR printing Some of the possible sources of revenue

from AR for publishers of content includeH Charging users for the accompanying AR

application, on a one-time fee basis or by subscription (monthly, yearly, etc..), as it is now in use with eBooks

H Content supported by Advertising, or in print media or directly through the digital content received by the user of the AR application/service

H Transactions within the AR application for goods or services, or for additional “value added content” which is not included in the base (possibly free) application.

ApplicationAugmented Reality we can imagine

completely new ways of adding value to traditional print media. AR may be used to convey additional interactive and multimedia content in all areas of traditional publishing,

including books, magazines, newspapers, posters, educational and multimedia products, entertainment and advertising. Based on the flexible and cross-media nature of AR, we can add a number of applications in traditional print media. It includes,H Augmented” AdvertisingH Augmented Informative ContentsH Augmented Special InsertsH Augmented Reality BooksH Geo-located “Augmented” ContentsH Collectibles endowed with “Augmented”

ContentsH Augmented packages

The future…Besides the challenges that unavoidably

need to be addressed, the potential for Augmented Reality applications in publishing, and in particular in connection with the press, are enormous. What emerges from our analysis is that AR provides significant added value, both on the cultural and on the commercial levels, to paper-based publishing products, without the need to completely replace them. This enhancement will then correspond to new market opportunities that are yet to be explored. The advent of next-generation mobile devices anticipates an horizon of adoption for AR as a mainstream technology that is now close and inevitable.


Presently, there are around 160 countries that have implemented GST/VAT in some form or other. In some countries,VAT is

the substitute for GST, but conceptually it is a destination based tax levied on consumption of goods and services.l France was the first to introduce GST.l Only Canada has dual GST model (Just

like India) l Rate of GST ranges between 15–20%

generally (may differ to higher/lower side in few countries).Here, rate of GST is the most crucial part

and various countries have been struggling to rationalize the rate structure so the situation and confusions prevailing in India is not unique. Other countries also had to undergo the same ordeal.

India has introduced GST, lets hope it proves beneficial not only for the common man but for the country as a whole.

Higher rates of taxation is one of the core

reasons behind tax evasions. Even developed countries like United States, France and others used to see companies manipulating their books to evade tax. The Goods and Service Tax or GST which is how it is popularly called world over, was first introduced in France in the year 1954. It was consequently after France that countries like Japan, South Korea, UK and Australia implemented the GST law.

There are around 160 countries in the world that have GST in place. GST is a destination based taxed where the tax is paid by the consumer. India has implemented the GST Law from July 1st 2017 and it has adopted the Dual GST model, the one followed by Canada. The most crucial aspect of this tax regime is the rate of GST that prevails on the various categories of products.

It has three components i.e.CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax)Will be collected by central government on sales of goods and services.

SGST (State Goods and Services Tax)Will be collected by the respective state governments on sales of goods and services.IGST (Inter-state Goods and Services Tax) Will be collected by the central government on the interstate transaction of goods and services. The collected IGST revenue will be distributed between the states as per the view of the proposed GST.l GST has been part of European tax

structure for more than 50 years now. It is also widely accepted and preferred form of indirect tax in Asia Pacific Region

l The idea of GST (VAT) was first conceptualised in 1920s by Wilhelm Von Siemens, a German businessman

l The first country to adopt GST was France in 1954

l Presently 160 countries have implemented GST in some form or other. There are more than 40 models of GST that are presently in force.

In Unitary Countries (country governed as a single power in which the Central Government has ultimate and full powers), VAT is GST where as in federal countries (countries like India having both Central and State Governments) both VAT and GST are different. France first introduced GST. Almost majority governments in the world are Unitary in Nature and they have been implementing single GST. Canada is the first country to start a Dual GST which followed by India. The recent country to implement GST is Malaysia .

Currently, there are 160 countries in the world that have implement VAT/GST.

G. Venugopal

Let’s welcome GST the way the world has comprehended


Number of country based on region are as follows:-l ASEAN : 7l Asia : 19l Europe : 53l Oceania : 7l Africa : 44l South America : 11l Caribbean, Central & North America : 19

GST Benefits from Indian prespectiveThe Goods & Service Tax or GST is one

of the biggest fiscal reforms in India since Independence. All businesses, small or large, will be impacted by this new indirect tax regime.

GST will be levied on both goods and services and will subsume and replace the current indirect taxes such as excise, VAT, and service tax. Some of the benefits of GST to the Indian economy are listed below:

to run around to tax offices to get various registrations under excise, VAT, service tax.

Lesser number of compliancesAlso, the current tax regime has excise

VAT and service tax, each of which have their own returns and compliances.

Tax Return filing

Excise Monthly

Service tax Proprietorship/Partnership- QuarterlyCompany/LLP- Monthly

VAT Different for different statesSome states require monthly returns over a threshold limit. Some states like Karnataka require a monthly return

GST will unify all these, thereby reducing

the number of returns and the time spent for tax compliances. There are about 11 returns under GST, out of which 4 are basic returns which apply to all taxable persons under GST. There are fears that the number of returns will increase after GST. But the main GSTR-1 will be manually populated. But GSTR-2, GSTR-3, GSTR-4 will be auto-populated.

Having said all the good things lets analyse the limitation tooHigher Tax Burden for Manufacturing SMEs

Small businesses in the manufacturing sector will bear most of the brunt of GST implementation. Under the existing excise laws, only manufacturing business with a turnover more than Rs. 1.50 crores have to pay excise duty. However, under GST the turnover limit has been reduced to Rs. 20 lakh thus increasing the tax burden for many manufacturing SMEs.

Increase in Operating CostsMost small businesses do not employ

professionals and prefer to pay taxes and file returns on their own to save costs. For GST though, as it is a completely new tax system, they will require professional assistance. While this will benefit the professionals, the small businesses will have to bear the additional costs of hiring experts.

Removing cascading tax effectAn important benefit of the introduction of

GST will be the removal of the cascading tax effect. In simple words, “cascading tax effect” means a tax on tax.

Under the current regime, the service tax paid on input services cannot be set off against output VAT. Under GST, the input tax credit can be availed smoothly across the spectrum of goods and services, thus reducing the tax burden on the end user and removing cascading effect.

Let’s take the following example to understand how removing the cascading effect will reduce taxes.

Current scenarioA trader buys office supplies for

Rs. 20,000 paying 5% as tax. It charges 15% service tax on services of Rs. 50,000. Currently, he has to pay Rs. 50,000*15% = Rs. 7,500 without getting any deduction of Rs. 1,000 VAT already paid on stationery.

Under GST (assuming GST= 18%)

GST on service of Rs. 50,000 @18%

9,000

Less: GST on office supplies (20,000*18%)

3,600

Net GST to pay 5,400

This will be especially beneficial to industries that involve both goods and services (like restaurant business) and pay both VAT & Service Tax under the current regime.

Higher threshold for registration

Tax Threshold Limits

VAT 5 lakhs in most states

Service Tax 10 lakhs

GST 20 lakhs (10 lakhs for NE states)

As per the current VAT structure, any

business with a turnover of more than Rs. 5 lakh (in most states) is liable to pay VAT (different rates in different states). Similarly, for service tax, service providers with turnover less than Rs. 10 lakhs are exempted.

Under GST this threshold has been increased to Rs. 20 lakhs thus exempting many small traders and service providers.

Composition scheme for small businesses

GST also has an optional scheme of lower taxes for small businesses with turnover between Rs. 20 to 70 lakhs. This will bring respite from tax burdens to many small businesses.

Simpler online procedure under GSTThe entire GST process – starting from

registration to filing returns and payment of GST tax – is online. Startups do not have


Also, businesses will need to train their employees in GST compliance increasing their overhead expenses.

Change in Business SoftwareMost businesses use accounting

software or ERPs for filing tax returns which have excise, VAT, and service tax already incorporated in them. The change to GST will require them to change their ERPs, too, leading to increased costs of purchasing new software and training employees.

GST Implemented During the Middle of the Year

As the GST implementation date is 1st July 2017. So, for the fiscal year, 2017-18 business will follow the old tax structure for the first 3 months, and GST for the rest of the time. It is impossible to cross over from one tax structure to the other in just a day, and hence businesses will end up running both tax systems in parallel, resulting in more confusion and compliance issues.

Increase in Taxes will Increase PricesCurrently, some sectors like the textile

industry are exempted from taxes or pay low tax. GST has only 4 proposed tax rates of 5%,12%,18%, 28%. Thus, for many sectors the tax burden will increase which in turn will increase the price of the final goods.

Petroleum Products Are Not Part of GST Yet

Petroleum products are being kept outside the scope of GST as of now. States will levy their own taxes on this sector. Tax credit for inputs will therefore not be available to related industries like the plastic industry which are heavily dependent on petroleum products. Petrol and diesel are required to run factory machinery and unavailability of input tax credit on petroleum products will most probably push up the final price of all manufactured goods.

Recently the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that GST will apply on petroleum only after all the states, through the GST Council, are agreed on it. So, an inclusion of petrol in

GST is expected but there is no deadline on the horizon yet.

Registration in Multiple StatesGST requires businesses to register in

all the states they are operating in. This will increase the burden of compliances.

Problems Faced by E-commerce Nowadays, many SMEs operate through

their own online shopping websites or through third party websites to sell to different parts of India. Under GST, they will be required to register for all the states. Not only that, they will not be eligible for composition scheme and will be required to pay taxes like any large organisation. E-commerce facilitators are now required to collect TCS under GST which will lead to increased complications and compliances.

Composition Scheme is Not Available for Many Businesses

Composition scheme is available for only businesses selling goods. It is not available to service providers or for online sellers. This sets SMEs at par with largeorganisationss in an unfair move.

No Anti-Inflationary Measures Every country that follows GST

experienced a hike in inflation when they first introduced it. They countered the inflation by keeping tabs on prices and initiating anti-profiteering measures at the retail level to protect consumers from price swindling.

While there have been similar discussions in the GST council, India still does not have concrete anti-inflationary measures to curb the inflation that is an inevitable outcome of GST.

ConclusionChange is definitely never easy. It is

important to take a leaf from global economies that implemented GST and overcame the teething troubles to experience the advantages of having a unified tax system, easy input credits, and reduced compliances.

Once GST is implemented, most of the current challenges of this move will be a story of the past. India will become a single market where goods can move freely and there will lesser compliances to deal with for businesses.

Lets give GST a chance.


For our generation, especially for the youth, life in nineteen seventies was an era of chaos, indecision, insecurity,

unrest and unemployment. Naturally, my days of youth were molded by the peculiarities of the times, and my first story was a true reflection of my disposition.

In fact, the story which I am going to speak is not my first story in the literal sense. For, I had begun writing from the age of ten. I had read all the available translations of Dostoevsky when I was a student of seventh standard. And I know that, it was not the kind of book an upper primary student must read; I now believe that kids must not be robbed of their childhood to be burdened with serious issues of life! However, reading of literary giants like Dostoevsky and Kafka has molded my literary perspectives. Kafka’s ‘Trial’ is still one of my favorites.

I began to believe that none of my early scribblings was worth publishing, as they did not meet my expectation of a perfect work of art. For me, a work of art must be a fresh creation – an innovation. I didn’t believe in going after a trend or success formula. Neither did I personally approve of writing about common themes like hunger, murder, poverty, love etc. So, I was just waiting for a new

My literary experiment with Assam and the Caged MonkeyM o M e n t

Goldenthat

Renowned novelist P.F. Mathews opens up about the birth of his first story

National Award winning Screen Writer P F Mathews has proved his mettle in various genres of creative writing. Even though his favorite medium is novel, he has carved a distinct niche for himself as a screen writer to films and telefilms. His tele-serial ‘Mikayelinte Santhathikal’ is still talked about. Shararanthal is another major work for television. He won Kerala State Award for both these tele-serials. A major break in his career was the much celebrated script for the internationally acclaimed film, ‘Kutty Srank’, directed by Shaji N Karun and starring Mammootty. The script, which was co-written, fetched him National Film Award for Best Screenplay.

creation to spark in my mind.Looking back to the creation of my first

‘real’ short story, I can recall a confused young man in his early twenties, caught up between a state of indecision – ‘to be or not to

be’ state like the protagonist of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The times were turbulent. Young men, who graduated, looked forward into chaos, not sure if he could ever find a job.

I had just completed my graduation at


George Joseph K sensed a fresh flavor in the narrative, and took the manuscript along with him. One day, he attended a literary camp in which some of the leading writers were present. George presented the manuscript to Mr. V.P. Shivakumar, a famous writer of the era and the editor of a new wave magazine named ‘Samkramanam.’ Surprisingly, V. P. Shivakumar was fascinated by the novelty of the narration; and he at once took the manuscript with him.

The next issue of ‘Samkramanam’ reached its readers with ‘Assaminu Pirakil Subhash Parkile Kurangan’ in printed form! It was a moment of sheer delight. I felt that the writer in me was finally born. Even though, the story did not manage to win the hearts of many readers due its innovative narrative techniques, it was appreciated by those who had an eye for the unique and the new.

Iruttil Oru Punyalan and ChavunilamAs mentioned above, I do not believe in

following the trodden paths. Call it literary arrogance; I persisted in breaking the categories in writing. I think that limiting oneself to any category is a sort of applied art, not pure art. Pure art must create and innovate. O V Vijayan is my favorite novelist in Malayalam. We know that his writings are innovations at its best.

Chavunilam, one of my major novels, follows a non-linear narrative technique. The novel does not have a conventional hero. Death is the real hero. Though it was written during late eighties, the novel is better understood by the younger generation of our times. After two and a half decades of its publishing, a new edition of the novel is getting ready for release. I learned that Chavunilam became a hot topic of discussion in whatsapp groups and social media of late.

My latest novel, Iruttil Oru Punyalan, has been well received by the readers. Originally, the theme was planned for a feature film; but as it required an enormous budget, it was later shelved. By the time, the theme had got matured in my mind. It was ripe enough to be written down. Thus, my new novel Iruttil Oru Punyalan was born. The novel is woven around the fear of the mysterious. It explores the philosophical dimensions of good and bad, righteousness and sin. It questions the feeble notions of religion.

was living like the caged monkey; I could sense the human soul imprisoned in the socio-political framework of the turbulent state of Assam. Thus, I began to write my first story ‘Assaminu Pirakil Subhash Parkile Kurangan.’

It was a breakaway from the prevalent literary categories. It was an absolutely non-linear writing. Lack of coherence in narration was evident all through. In fact, the narrative faithfully reflected my (not just mine, but of my times too) fragmented state of mind. Sometimes you could find hardly any connection between one line and the other. Topics of narration swung from one to other raising the reader to an altogether different plane of literary experience. The story did not have a beginning, mid part and the end as per the reigning literary imperatives.

After writing, I was sure that this was not going to be a popular story as it defied the set patterns of successful literary formulae. So, I kept it secret in my room, until one day my friend George Joseph K, a writer himself, discovered it.

St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam, and had commenced my course in post graduation. As for most young men and young graduates, future was uncertain for me. I was hung between maturity and immaturity; I was neither political nor apolitical. Thoughts were more or less fragmented and non-linear. No wonder, my first short story reflected the mark of the times!

In those days, Assam was a hot topic of discussion in the media. Political unrest and turbulence transformed life in Assam into a harrowing hell. Every day, we read in papers about bomb blasts and mass murders. Naturally, Assam blew like a whirlwind into my thoughts and disturbed me to the core.

During that time, I had a habit of going to the Subhash Park, one of the popular venues in Ernakulam where people used to hang out. There was a caged monkey in the Park, which had triggered my curiosity and imagination. Suddenly, I could ferret out a new connection between the political state of Assam and the caged monkey. I knew that people in Assam

After writing, I was sure that this was not going to be a

popular story as it defied the set patterns of successful

literary formulae. So, I kept it secret in my room, until

one day my friend George Joseph K, a writer himself,

discovered it. George Joseph K sensed a fresh flavor in

the narrative, and took the manuscript along with him.


Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram 2017, the second edition of KMPA Print Awards, marks a significant achievement in the

history of Kerala Master Printers Association. The most prestigious Print Award in the state of Kerala, ‘Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram’ is recognized and approved by the government of Kerala, making it the State Award for printing excellence. The First edition of KMPA Print Award was held in 2014, which was met with a grand success.

‘Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram’ aims to find out and recognize excellence in printing in Kerala. ‘Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram’ 2017 was held on 8th April, 2017 at Flora Airport Hotel Nedumbasserry. An Award committee was formed with Mr. K P Uthup of Colortone as the Chairman.

“I whole-hearted appreciated the

‘Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram’ 2017Bringing printing excellence to the limelight!

commendable contributions rendered by the Award committee to make ‘Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram’ a grand success. Every member of KMPA worked hard to raise the bench mark. I also thank the jury for the excellent way of handpicking the winners” Shri. S. Saji, President of KMPA said without concealing his excitement in the grand success.

“This was not just an award function for KMPA members, but the best gift to the printers in Kerala. The participants consisted from small scale printers to newspaper industry” said G. Rajesh, General Secretary.

Mr. K P Uthup, the Chairman of Award Committee KMPA, expressed his joy and sense of satisfaction in raising the benchmark of the Award. “One thing I can say beyond doubt that Print Award this time has become

much bigger and much grander. Compared to the 2014 edition of Print Award, the participation was increased, the quality of entries was higher, the media exposure was greater and the overall excitement was raised to a higher level. The judgment procedures were impeccable.”

Mr. O. Venugopal, Co-ordinator of KMPA, observed that ‘Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram’ has turned a new page in the history of KMPA as every member of printing industry including those from small scale, medium scale and large scale found a platform for recognition. He recalled that the first edition of KMPA Print Award gave a morale boost to the printers of Kerala that they can compete in the national level. And the ten awards won on at NAEP was in a way the result of KMPA Print Awards. “This time, ‘Kerala Mudrana

Hon’ble Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly Shri. P. Sreeramakrishnan lighting the inaugural lamp.


Puraskaram’ has become much greater and whole KMPA member is proud of it” he added.

Passionate responseMr. K P Uthup said that there was

an overwhelming and very encouraging response to the announcement of ‘Mudarana Puraskaram.’ Printers and artists were mindful to send their best works to the most prestigious Print Award of Kerala.

“Once the Print Award 2017 was announced there was a passionate response from the part of the participants. People from different parts of Kerala sent their entries. I am happy to say that we received 650 entries this time. All of them maintained very high standard of creativity” Mr. Uthup said.

Categories and Selection Process Mr. Unnikrishnan Adavakkat, who was

in charge of the selection and processing of Award entries, detailed about the categories of the Print Award and the selection process:

“All entries for the awards fall into any the general categories namely: Large scale printers (CL), Medium Scale printers (CM) and Small scale printers (SM). In 2017 version of Print Awards, a couple of categories were added compared to the previous edition. The new categories that were added this time are web offset and awards for college/school magazines. Under every general category, the entries were invited to another 17 sub-categories like brochure, invitations, posters, photo albums, digital books and so on.”

Stringent secrecy was maintained all through the selection process, affirms Mr. Unnikrishnan. Each of the entries was coded before giving them for judgment. No judge or anyone else could get any hint about the author of any work presented for judgment. One the judgment was done, the entries were decoded and the winners were known.

From each category, three winners were chosen. The best two were awarded Gold and silver, while the third one was a recognized with a merit certificate.

Acclaimed by the JuryThe selection and judgment maintained

the highest standard, as the best judges were roped in as the jury members. The Jury

members were Prof. Dr. Rajendra Kumar Anayath, who is a nationally acclaimed judge, Mr. V.S. Pradeep, Deputy Superintendent at the Directorate of Printing Department, Govt. of Kerala and Mr. Pradeep Gangadharan, Creative Head and Director, Brand ID, an accomplished Graphic Designer.

The jury head Prof. Dr. Rajendra Kumar Anayath explained in detail the criteria for evaluation of the award winners in each category. This meticulous explanation has been published in the Black Book 2017, released during the award ceremony. The jury members unanimously praised the quality of the entries. “The jury members said that they were really challenged to pick up the best one as a number of entries rivaled each other in quality. We had a hard time choosing the best one” says Mr. Unnikrishnan.

Creative Innovations “Compared to the entries of the previous

year, this year’s entries were of much higher standard” assured Mr. Unnikrishnan. He recalled some of the most fascinating entries which also won awards. One of them was a replica of Thaliyola Ramayanam. Another innovative invitation contained led bulbs fixed in, which lighted up once the invitation was opened, giving a magical feeling. Wedding invitation in the form of a brochure was another inventive entry.

Black BookRelease of Black Book, which detailed

about the award winning creatives, was a new introduction to this edition of Print Award. One can watch the brilliance and variety of the entries in the Black Book.

The Award Ceremony and the Display of winning entries

The Award Ceremony of Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram was held at Flora Airport Hotel, Nedumbaserry on 8th April, 2017. The Award Ceremony was in par with the prestigious film awards in its grandeur. Shri. P. Sreeramakrishnan, Honourable Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly, inaugurated the function and distributed the awards. Shri. S. Saji, the President of KMPA welcomed the guests and delivered the presidential address, while Shri.O. Venugopal, Co-ordinator of KMPA introduced the Award to the audience. The Black Book, which detailed the award winning entries, was released during the function. Shri. Puneet Datta, Director of professional printing products Canon and Shri. AMSG Ashokan, former President of AIFMP felicitated. Shri. G. Rajesh delivered the vote of thanks.

Around five hundred eminent guests attended the grand award ceremony. The award winning entries were displayed at the venue in a very attractive way at Hotel Flora for the public to see.

Hon’ble Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly Shri. P. Sreeramakrishnan addressing the gathering.


PHOT FESTINDIA 2017PHOTO VIDEO & IMAGING FAIR

2017JUNE 29,30, 2017JULY 01

ADLUX INTERNATIONALCONVENTION CENTREANGAMALY, ERNAKULAM, KERALA

STALL NO. 79

Group of companies

CON

TACT


Kerala Mudrana Puraskaram 2017 - WinnersSl.No. Name Gold Silver Certificate Total Awards Category - Mini Offset 1 Sandesh Offset Printers, Alakode, Kannur 0 1 0 12 Madona Wedding Cards, Kottayam 1 1 0 23 Veeyem Binding, Ernakulam 1 1 1 34 Raja Press, Poonithura, Ernakulam 0 1 0 1 Category - Offset CS 1 Print Solutions, Kottayam 2 1 0 32 SB Press Pvt. Ltd, Thiruvananthapuram 0 0 1 13 Live Print Offset Inc, Ernakulam 5 3 1 94 Printers Castle, Ernakulam 1 3 0 45 Modern Graphics, Ernakulam 3 6 4 136 Akshay Offset Printers, Nedungolam, Kollam 0 1 0 17 Business Screens, Ernakulam 1 0 1 28 Mangalodayam Press, Thrissur 1 0 1 29 Evees Press, Muvattupuzha 1 0 0 110 S R Printers, Aluva, Ernakulam 1 1 0 2 Category - Offset CM 1 St Francis Press, Ernakulam 2 2 1 52 Computer Graphics Laser Press, Kottayam 1 1 0 23 S & S Associates, Kottayam 0 1 1 24 Niseema Printers & Publishings, Kalamessery, Ernakulam 0 1 0 15 Rajsree Industrial Printers, Aluva, Ernakulam 5 1 2 86 Colourmagic Offset Printing Press, Ernakulam 1 0 0 17 Koral-The Printing Company, Ernakulam 1 3 0 48 Screen Pack Offset Printers, Ernakulam 1 0 0 19 Titanium Press, Thiruvanathapuram 1 1 0 210 G K Printers, Ernakulam 0 1 2 311 Alukkas Color Lab, Thrissur 1 0 0 112 Hytek Offset Printers, Ernakulam 0 1 1 213 Penta Offset, Kottayam 2 1 1 414 Sujilee Colour Printers, Chathanoor, Kollam 0 1 0 115 Maptho Printings, Kalamassery, Ernakulam 0 1 1 216 Ephphatha Print House, Kottayam 0 0 1 117 Bioway Packs Pvt. Ltd, Kottayam 0 1 0 118 Alain Printers, Ernakulam 0 1 1 219 Print Express, Vennala, Cochin 1 0 0 120 Alif Packs, Pallikara, Ernakulam 0 1 0 1 Category - Offset CL 1 Anaswara Offset Pvt. Ltd, Ernakulam 8 12 3 232 Orange Printers Pvt. Ltd, Thiruvanathapuram 4 4 0 83 Akshara Offset, Trivandrum 3 2 1 64 Sterling Print House Pvt. Ltd, Ernakulam 3 2 3 85 S.T Reddiars & Sons, Ernakulam 0 2 0 26 Ebenezer Printpack Pvt. Ltd, Thrissur 0 1 0 1 Category - Digital Printing 1 Colortone Process Pvt. Ltd, Ernakulam 1 3 0 42 Photopark Digital Press, Ernakulam 4 1 0 53 Computer Graphics Laser Press, Kottayam 1 2 0 34 Image Print Solutions, Thiruvananthapuram 0 0 2 25 Colourings, Ernakulam 0 1 1 26 Memphis Printing & Publishing (P) Ltd, Ernakulam 0 1 0 17 Ebenezer Printpack Pvt. Ltd, Thrissur 1 0 0 18 PRINTX, Ernakulam 1 1 0 29 G K Printers, Ernakulam 0 0 1 110 Print Gallery, Kottayam 1 0 0 111 ABC Color Systems Pvt. Ltd, Trivandram 0 0 1 1 Web Offset 1 The Malayala Manorama Co Ltd, Kottayam 2 1 0 32 S.T Reddiar & Sons, Ernakulam 0 1 2 33 The Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Co Ltd, Kochi 0 1 0 14 Rashtra Deepika Ltd, Kottayam 0 0 1 1 School/College Magazine 1 Sainik School, Kazhakootam,Trivandrum 1 0 0 12 Akshara Offset, Trivandrum 1 0 0 13 Saintgits College of Engineering, Pathamuttam, Kottayam 0 1 0 14 Anaswara Offset Pvt. Ltd, Ernakulam 0 1 0 15 Govt. College of Nursing, Thiruvanathapuram 0 0 1 16 Orange Printers Pvt. Ltd, Thiruvanathapuram 0 0 1 17 Mar Baselious College of Engg, Trivandrum 0 0 1 18 Orange Printers Pvt. Ltd, Thiruvanathapuram 0 0 1 1 Special Jury Award 1 Colourking Enterprises, Ernakulam 1 0 0 12 Anaswara Offset Pvt. Ltd, Ernakulam 1 0 0 1

Total 66 74 39 179


Dreaming is one thing; but to see it with your own naked eye and to touch the dream is another thing. Print Miracle

Expo, an ambitious initiative by Kerala Master Printers Association is an enormous effort to bring the world’s technological excellence in printing to the vicinity of the printing fraternity of Kerala. Print Miracle Expo 2017, Kerala’s biggest Print Exhibition, which was held at CIAL Trade & Exhibition Centre, Nedumbasserry on April 7, 8 & 9 proved a grand success in the printing history of Kerala.

It was in the year 2014 that Print Miracle Expo, the largest and foremost printing exhibition in Kerala, an initiative of Kerala Master Printers Association, was flagged off. The exhibition which showcased the latest technological progress in printing industry was highly appreciated by all. It was the marvelous success of the first edition of the Expo that propelled KMPA to conduct the 2017 edition of the Exhibition in a grander style.

Print Miracle Expo - 2017Showcasing The World’s Technological Excellence

World’s best comes to neighbourhood Print Miracle Expo is a dream realized.

It has brought the global achievements in printing close to everyone here in Kerala to see and experience. As G. Rajesh, the General Secretary of KMPA well commented, “In earlier days, when the printers used to visit other states or countries to see the large

scale printing exhibitions, they faced three challenges. First, they had to meet a big expense. Second, they had communication issues. Third, they face the issue of entrusting their firms to some credible hands. At this juncture, Print Miracle Expo, which is conducted in your own state, comes as a real blessing for printers.”

Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Kerala Government, Shri. A.C. Moideen formally inaugurating the Print Miracle Expo 2017.

The Industries Minister addressing the gathering during the inaugural function.


Great brands like Heidelberg, Canon, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, Xerox, Welbound, Megabound India, Provin Technos, Epson, Monotech Systems, Autoprint, Suba Solutions, etc. participated in the Expo making it a rare experience for the printers in Kerala.

“I am sure that Print Miracle Expo 2017 gave a golden opportunity for the small scale printing units to get a closer look at the latest technological achievements in printing industry at a minimal cost and time” adds Mr. O. Venugopal, the Co-ordinator of KMPA.

The Miracle of unity Mr. S. Saji, President of KMPA, was all

praise for the wonderful effort taken by the Exhibition committee led by Mr. G. Venugopal: “It was a commendable and proud moment in the history of KMPA. I can proudly say that it was a great team work by all the members of Kerala Master Printers Association. The event brought together under one roof all the members of the Association scattered at various districts of Kerala for a noble cause. Every body has done their part excellently. I personally congratulate G. Venugopal, the

chairman of the Expo, G. Rajesh and other team members who contributed their best to make this prestigious programme of KMPA a great success.”

Grand Walk-insPrint Miracle Expo 2017 stands out mainly

for the quality of its visitors, observes Mr.

S. Saji, the president of KMPA. “We should judge the success of the Expo on the basis of the quality of visitors. Even though the number of visitors was not so huge, I can confidently say that people with purchasing power have visited the Expo. That means we have been able to target the right people and lure them to the Expo.”

The Industries Minister during the stall visits.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of the Kerala Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan lighting the lamp at the valedictory function.

Print Miracle | March - April 2017 | 24Print Miracle | November - December 2016 | 10

Print Miracle | March - April 2017 | 25Print Miracle | November - December 2016 | 11


Beyond boundaries“Walk-ins were not limited to Kerala”

said Mr. Manmohan, “People came to visit the Expo from places like Sivakasi, Salem and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. There were also representation from Karnataka” he added.

KMPA alive in the mediaHelmed by Mr. Biju Jose, who was in

charge of media, Print Miracle Expo 2017 was covered by the visual media and print media in detail, giving enviable exposure to KMPA. “All the three days KMPA was in the limelight. Our Association received great media exposure” commented Mr. Gopan.

“The presence of prominent personalities of the Government like the Chief Minister of Kerala, the Speaker of Kerala Legislaive Assembly and the State Industrial Minister attracted media focus” added Manmohan.

Two landmark declarationsPresident S. Saji recalled two landmark

assurances at the venue, one by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan and the other by Industrial Minister. Shri. A.C.

Moideen, in his inaugural speech on 7th April, assured ‘liberalization of Licence’ for the printers. He ensured that he will see that the complications in gaining licences will be dealt with by introducing ‘single window clearance.’

During the valedictory function held on

9th April 2017, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan assured that Government will seriously consider restricting the involvement of printers from outside Kerala in the printing industry of Kerala. This will certainly encourage the Printers of Kerala towards better growth.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan addressing the printers about various industry issues.

The Chief Minister during his stall visit.


‘Swachh Printing’ with ‘Akron Range’

F e at u r e dP r O d u C tOF the mOnth

Though it might sound like a slogan, it is something more. Swachh Printing is in fact the continuous endeavour of every

printer. The pursuit of Clean Printing holds true not only for the quality of prints produced but also for maintaining a clean and healthy environment in their print shops.

Three major challenges faced by printers in achieving this objective are elimination of chronic ‘Picture Framing’, stabilising the ink-water emulsion and reducing the use of IPA

TechNova offers a unique, dependable and consistent solution that helps printers overcome all the above challenges. It is called the Akron Range of Fountain Solution concentrates.

The Fogra approved Akron Range of fountain solution concentrates are ultra-low foaming and designed for sheet-fed offset presses with alcohol and integrated dampening systems. They are fully compatible with both UV as well as conventional inks and perfectly suited for all popular machine configurations with different water conditions.

Further, the Akron Range delivers superb stability and highest quality output. It offers controlled wetting with zero-foam and is compatible with both IPA and IPA substitutes like TechNova’s AlcoZAP. The strong biocidal

important benefit of Akron Range is that it reduces the use of chemicals in the pressroom, making the workplace safer and Greener. Leading printers in India have been able to completely eliminate chronic picture framing problem by switching over to Akron Range of fountain solution. Printers are also able to maintain the same level of quality as earlier without any compromises whatsoever.”

“The Akron Range is designed to keep the pressroom workflow smooth and hassle-free. The Akron Range of fountain solutions offer printers a never before ‘Dose & Forget’ convenience. This is achieved due to its exceptional wetting stability & very high levels of plate protection agents, at a low cost-in-use. Printers can now concentrate on producing high-quality prints, rather than worrying about ink-water balance” he added.

The Akron Range of fountain solutions concentrates are manufactured to the high-quality standards that customers associate with TechNova. Moreover, printers are guaranteed 24x7 technical support and other Value Added Services during and post installation.

For details: Contact 1800 22 7474; [email protected]

system ensures improved productivity and minimum maintenance with optimal bath life. It is recommended that for best results Akron range should be used with additives like AquaTone RO (when using soft water) and LintoFix to significantly reduce blanket piling.

Since its introduction, the Akron Range of fountain solutions, together with TechNova offset printing plates, have been successfully meeting the needs of quality-conscious printers across the globe.

The Akron Range of fountain solutions comprises of:

AkronGold CF1A : A Fogra approved, most dependable fountain solution designed to work with 0% - 4% isopropanol, depending on machine configuration and type of jobs. AkronGold CF1A has helped printers successfully eliminated chronic Picture Framing issue.

AkronDiamond : The most consistent hi-tech fountain solution, which stabilises ink-water emulsion for sharper and denser prints in different water conditions.

AkronGold : An ultra-low foaming fountain solution, designed to work with 6% - 10% isopropanol or isopropanol substitute.

Milind Kale, DGM Chemicals Business Development, TechNova, said: “The most


In one of the busiest streets of Ernakulam Town, on Thammanam – Palarivattom Road, the two storied office of Geo Print

Shop stood like a symbol of innovation, enterprise and dedication, reflecting its visionary owner Mr. Yeldho, who holds the position of the Treasurer of Kerala Master Printers Association. The spacious interiors that housed modern machineries from leading brands like Ryobi, Muller Martini, Komori and Horizon, welcomed you to a world full of stories – stories of the emergence and evolution of printing in this part of Kerala.

Mr. Yeldho, one of the pioneers of typesetting in Ernakulam, sat on his chair with a welcoming, candid smile before walking down the memory lane for garnering facts and infos for Print Miracle.

The dawn of a pioneer1988. That was the year which changed

the life of young Eldho, who was then just 22 years old. “In fact I owe to my brother-in-law for my venturing into the printing industry. My brother-in-law was then running a print shop in Madras. He did the printing jobs using a method called ‘photo typesetting, which was also known as computer composing” recalled Yeldho.

In those, a slow transition from letter typesetting was just dawning. Computer composing was a new thing to Ernakulam. Fascinated by this new innovation, Yeldho at once made an investment of Rs. 8 lakhs, partnering with his cousin to set up a print shop named ‘Typestyles’ at MG Road, Ernakulam. The new way of typesetting, which preceded DTP, was an instant success.

In a way Yeldho was a forerunner to the developments that took place in the town in the following years.

Emergence of Geo Print ShopTimes changed, and the town witnessed

the transition of printing from letter press to mini offset and large offsets. Typesetting became easy with the advent of DTP.

“In the initial stages, even offset printers needed the aid of typesetting by hand. But, the advent of DTP brought a remarkable transition in typesetting, making it far easier” recalls Yeldho, who has witnessed the days of transition from a close distance.

In 1996, Yeldho parted with his partner to set up his own print shop named Geo Print Shop with 8 staffs, which was one

THREE DECADES OF MASTER PRINTINGYELDHO K. GEOrGE, GEO Print SHOP

Know your member...

Mr. Yeldho K. George along with his wife Jeena at his print shop


of the first mini offset printers in Ernakulam town. The first office of Geo Print Shop was in Kadavanthra Temple Road.

“I chose to christen the new printing venture Geo mainly for two reasons” Yeldho said, “My Father and my elder son bear the same name - ‘George’. Besides, I am devotee of Saint George. So, I borrowed the first three alphabets of the name.”

A name of ProminenceToday, Geo Print Shop functions in two

locations. The pre-press digital works are done in their office at Ernakulam South, while the major printing and post production works are carried out at the printing office at Thammanam. Jeena, Yeldho’s wife, is in charge of the digital pre-press department. Ably supported by 35 staff members, Geo Print Shop holds a high reputation among the printing fraternity of Kerala.

Currently, Geo Print Shop owns a set of modern machineries including Ryobi 4 colour double crown machine, Demmy 5 color Komori, 2 programmed cutting machines of which one is of Japanese brand named ITOH,

6 clamp binding machine, Horizon automatic folding machine and Muller Martini.

First book on Augmented Reality in Malayalam

Geo Print Shop holds the enviable reputation of printing the first book written on Augmented reality in Malayalam language. The book published by a Thrissur based publisher in named ‘Mussirissilude’.

Apart from this, a number of other prestigious works are carried out at Geo. They are engaged in printing books, college magazines, and periodicals along with regular job works.

Family Jeena, his wife offers her full support to

Yeldho in the venture, while his elder son George is doing his course in Engineering. The younger son Jacob is a plus two student, and has some liking for his father’s profession.

Future PlansYeldho, a visionary with a humanitarian

perspective, nurtures a dream of developing his firm into a public limited company in future. “I do not wish to retain the proprietorship. We cannot insist that our children share the same passion for printing as we have. They may have or they may not have a liking for this profession. I hope to develop this firm into a public limited company. My son can work here as a staff or as a director. I think that will take the company into the hands of those who have real passion for printing.”

Future of printingYeldho is optimistic about the future of

printing. The avalanche of online editions of news and e-books will not really threat the future of printing, Yeldho believes. “Recent studies reveal that students in Europe are abandoning e-book texts and are returning to printed text books, as they are helpful of better memorizing. Print will live on; only thing is that they may take a different form. We need to update constantly and frequently according to the global technological changes. That is our real challenge!” Yeldho signs off with a smile.


Industry News

Konica Minolta has introduced Workplace Hub, an innovative new enterprise IT solution that unifies all

of an organisation’s technology via a single centralised platform. Designed to future-proof workplaces of every size as they work towards digital transformation, version one of Workplace Hub, available from October 2017, directly addresses growing IT complexity by providing more efficient and effective management of the disparate array of tools, services and devices used by modern organisations.

This new platform represents the next phase of Konica Minolta’s long history in innovation, marking its position in the IT services market and perfectly placing the firm to meet the evolving needs of business customers. Acting as a central hub that simplifies IT for an organisation, Workplace Hub drives efficiencies by reducing the overall costs of IT management and service provision, and providing real-time data-driven insights that help to improve business processes. By creating an ecosystem to manage and coordinate the entire IT infrastructure and services across existing and future IT systems, devices and services, Workplace Hub provides users with a central dashboard showing 360-degree visibility of IT usage patterns across the whole business, allowing for simple management and optimisation of systems.

This new platform represents the next phase of Konica Minolta’s long history in innovation, marking its position in the IT services market and perfectly placing the firm to meet the evolving needs of business customers. Acting as a central hub that simplifies IT for an organisation, Workplace Hub drives efficiencies by reducing the overall costs of IT management and service provision, and providing real-time data-driven insights that help to improve business processes. By creating an ecosystem to manage and

Konica Minolta announces Workplace Hub, the world’s most connected intelligent edge platform

demanded by the workplace of the future. It means businesses can grow and manage their IT in tandem with changing business needs. It simplifies IT operations today and paves the way for exciting new integrations, such as AI and intelligent edge computing, to become a central part of the digital organisation of the future.”

This strategic shift will allow Konica Minolta to deliver more comprehensive digital transformation solutions, while continuing its heritage of providing the very best products and services for the business market as a whole.

‘’The new age businesses have dynamic workloads, giving rise to the need for a holistic solution synched in a single platform. Workplace hub come as an answer to the growing complexities associated with diverse work related requirements, furnishing unprecedented management of a host of different devices, platforms and tools. This will not only help businesses in significantly enhancing their output but will also lead to increased in house efficiency,’’ said Yuji Nakata, Managing Director, Konica Minolta India.

“The workplace is evolving at an unparalleled rate and digital transformation is becoming increasingly important to both survival and future prosperity,” said Shoei Yamana, CEO and President of Konica Minolta Inc. “Workplace Hub not only allows businesses of all sizes to achieve effective transformation, but future-proof themselves against the next wave of technology innovations already infiltrating the business environment.”

Workplace Hub version one will be available from October 2017 to organisations looking for enterprise quality managed services at an affordable price.

More information on the launch event, keynote speakers and panel discussions can be found at workplacehub.konicaminolta.com.

coordinate the entire IT infrastructure and services across existing and future IT systems, devices and services, Workplace Hub provides users with a central dashboard showing 360-degree visibility of IT usage patterns across the whole business, allowing for simple management and optimisation of systems.

Moreover, the platform’s product roadmap includes future integration of IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Intelligent Edge and Decision Support capabilities as they become more central to the business environment of tomorrow. Adding this cognitive layer of organisational insight unleashes an intuitive understanding of the world that empowers people to collaborate better and to make smarter, data-driven decisions more effectively and easily.

Global partnerships with HPE, Sophos and Microsoft deliver best in class hardware, security and IT solutions. Additional services from Canonical and BrainTribe bring the power of open source and advanced data management, helping to facilitate effective digital transformation for any business.

Dennis Curry, a Vice President and Director of Business Innovation and R&D at Konica Minolta, said “Workplace Hub will evolve to become the most comprehensive platform for the services and capabilities


eliminates some occupational injuries. The roll lifter can be rotated over 360o for precise alignment.

Mr. Sanjdip Kandhari, Director-Manufacturing, VINSAK added: “In 2016, we have launched the VRL 350 capable of handling the weight of 350 KG with roll dimension of 500*900(w*h) mm. It got a tremendous response from Printers & Convertors. But a lot of our customers were enquiring about roll lifter which can handle roll width of 1000mm. So, we decided to upgrade the existing model to meet the industry requirement. We hope keeping a roll lifter in press room will become an industry norm, so that number of casualties and material damage reduce over time.”

Industry News

Web printing is a tedious job and requires workforce to move large print rolls weighing 250 KG to 400

KG from one place to another. Most of the time Operators working in the press room, find it tough to move paper rolls due to their weight. Also, there is high risk of injury to the employees and damage to the material.

VINSAK, the leading supplier of Printing and Packaging solutions have developed Roll Lifter series to ease the handling/movement of rolls at print factories. It will enable hassle-free single-person reel changes at production locations.

The new VRL series is equipped safety brake for loading, unloading and transporting the rolls safely which reduces or even

Vinsak introduces upgraded versions of Vinsak Roll Lifter


Industry News

Association of Label Printers and Suppliers (ALPS) which represents all the stakeholders in the Label industry in

the Indian region is launched. The association prides itself in treating all stakeholders on an equal platform thus ensuring an honest, democratic and co-operational method of operation.

The initial get together of the Association was held in Delhi in December 2016 which was followed by a couple of regional meetings

ALPS National event celebrated in Delhithat have been held in Chennai & Bangalore and Hyderabad.

The first national level event with 100 companies and 150 members was organized at Delhi in March. A total of 148 persons attended the event with more than 80 printing companies, suppliers, the media and supporting organizations including AIDC and ASPA.

The core committee was created with Mr. Gururaj Ballarwad as the President , Mr

Ajay Agarwal as Vice President , Mr Arunesh Bansal as Secretary and Mr Ashish Gupta as treasurer. Mr. Gururaj presented the founder’s vision in his welcome note. A detailed presentation by done by Mr. Ajay Aggarwal who outlined the Objectives and purpose of the Association showing the short to medium term plans of the organization.

The event included new interactive website www.alpsindia.org which was inaugurated by Industry leaders from Avery and UPM.

The 235th GC meeting of AIFMP was held on 18-19, March 2017 at Ramoji Film City Hyderabad hosted by Telangana

Offset Printers Association. A record 235 plus delegates attended the grand function.

All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), which represents 250,000 printing companies of India, is not only the apex body of printers in India, but also the largest printers’ association of the world.

The Governing Council meeting discussed various issues concerning the printing industry including the latest technological developments in the field. The meeting gave an opportunity to printers to exchange views to interact with each other regarding matters of mutual interest.

The grandeur of the convention hall, well decorated stalls of various sponsors, tasty food varieties and luxurious stay arrangements, soulful evenings with thematic

The 235th GC meeting of AIFMP held at Ramoji Film Cityentertainment programmes, the entire setting and beauty of the venue and the personalized attention and traditional hospitality of the

TOPA team have created the true ambience of the erstwhile Hyderabadi Nawabi style and living made the two day event memorable.


Industry News

‘Print Miracle’ invites articles, news, photo features etc. from members, relevant subject experts, which will be published on a priority basis in future issues of the Journal. We solicit participation from the enthusiastic printing fraternity across the world and request them to forward the materials preferably in soft copy.

For any comments & suggestions about ‘Print Miracle’, please write to the Editor.

Email to: [email protected], [email protected]

Cover credits: K.S. Jayakumar, Since‘02

Canon India, the leading digital imaging company in the country, took a leap forward with ‘We@Canon’, initiatives

to recognise women power within the organisation on International Women’s Day. The initiative is in connection with Canon’s 20th anniversary celebrations. Constantly engaging and evolving its employees, Canon holds an array of activities focusing on fostering its women talent.

WE@Canon stands for Women

Canon India celebrated the spirit of womanhoodEmpowerment at Canon where the senior women leaders are advisors to the CEO to support initiatives that can bring positive change in the organisation’s gender ratio. Canon India has an array of policies and initiatives that bring women to the forefront of decision making.

Speaking about the significance of its women workforce, on this International Women’s Day, Mr. Kazutada Kobayashi, President & CEO, Canon India, said, “The milestone achievement of our 20 glorious

years in the country, would not have been possible without the equal contribution of our women workforce. Considering our employees the biggest assets, we endeavour towards ensuring equal opportunity for all our people. Be it at the workplace or at our adopted villages, we reinforce our vision of creating gender equality. Our policies and initiatives are in line with our vision to create stronger workforce where women can be leaders just like the way they lead their homes.”

` 20. 00Vol. XXI | No. 2 | March - April 2017

HARD COVER MADE EASY

PUR enables you to bind book blocks and round them too, without thread sewing. You can also insert art plates or lose leaves without tipping them. This makes hard cover binding easy and fast.

Welbound PUReBind is provided with end-sheet gluing facility. It is equipped with Nordson PUReOne system consisting of 2 Kg melter and SB60 BoD applicator.

We at Welbound, with Henkel and Nordson bring a technology that makes hard cover book production effortless

Hard cover made easy.

• Heat resistant • Lasts forever • Cold resistant • Binds any substrate • Lay-flat books • Strongest binding

For more information, call us at +917738146646 | Email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/perfectbinding | Website: www.welbound.com

HARD COVER MADE EASY

PUR enables you to bind book blocks and round them too, without thread sewing. You can also insert art plates or lose leaves without tipping them. This makes hard cover binding easy and fast.

Welbound PUReBind is provided with end-sheet gluing facility. It is equipped with Nordson PUReOne system consisting of 2 Kg melter and SB60 BoD applicator.

We at Welbound, with Henkel and Nordson bring a technology that makes hard cover book production effortless

Hard cover made easy.

• Heat resistant • Lasts forever • Cold resistant • Binds any substrate • Lay-flat books • Strongest binding

For more information, call us at +917738146646 | Email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/perfectbinding | Website: www.welbound.com

vol. xxi | no. 2 | march 20....

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