Prof. Kamal Mohan Chopra (72) has been appointed the chairman of the World Print & Communication Forum (WPCF). With this, Chopra becomes the first Indian to take over this position at WPCF. On 8 December 2020, Chopra took over the reins from the past president, Michael Mikken (USA). Speaking on the occasion, Raveendra Joshi, former president of AIFMP said, “It is a proud moment for the nation and its printing industry, as for the first time an Indian will run this international organization.”
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the WPCF is a collaborative platform for the world’s major transnational and national printing associations to work together, promote the development and prosperity of the global printing industry. WPCF also facilitates and encourages communication with other parts of the print value chain to further develop the print and communication market through international and cross-industry collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
The WPCF was officially founded in 2004 as a result of an initiative supported by the world’s major transnational and national printing associations. The founding members of the WPCF were Conlatingraf, representing South America; Intergraf, representing European interests; PIA, the Printing Industries of America for the North American continent; and national associations from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan and South Africa.
Having chaired All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP), India’s highest printing federation twice, Chopra is ready for the new test. “It is a proud moment for me and altogether a new challenge as well. It’s a huge honor. Being appointed as the chairperson of AIFMP twice, I gained valuable experience during my tenure. I hope it will prove beneficial to me at WPCF.”
Chopra – owner of one of the top printing presses, Foil Printers, in Ludhiana – is not only an inspirational figure for many in the printing industry but also in different walks of life. He was an honorary professor in three international universities and Governor’s nominee in the board of a national university. Chopra’s life has been penned in his biographies ‘Life in Print’ (releasing shortly) and ‘Imprint of a Printer’ respectively. These books detail his journey from a humble beginning to achieving rare honors like ‘President of India Award’ and ‘Hon. Professor’ at world’s leading printing institute in China.
“The feeling of being the first Indian to reach this level is heart-warming. I will try my best to be a good representative for the nation and work sincerely towards the responsibilities assigned to me,” concluded Chopra.