AB"Diary

AB'S DIARY

Mar 2011 Lesson to be learnt The natural calamities that recently struck Japan highlighted the need for International co-operation and having a world market perspective A few months ago, representatives of screen printing associations from across the globe had visited India for the SPI 2010 / ASGA India 2010 exhibition. Language and cultural barriers notwithstanding, we really had a great time interacting with each other because at the end of the day, all of us shared a common goal - furthering the cause of screen printing. The industry that provides our bread and butter is also our passion and that is what really unites members of each nation’s representative association wherever and whenever we meet up. This is why the natural calamities that recently impacted Japan - the earthquake and Tsunami - coupled with the resultant damage, destruction, loss of life and property have perhaps affected us more than they would otherwise have. We could remember specific faces and names of industry colleagues and that made us relate to their suffering that much more. Naturally our immediate response was an email of support on behalf of SGAI to our JSPDA colleagues. It was our way of telling them that while we recognise and admire their resilience, they should not feel alone during this time of crisis. It also brought home the fact that the concept of International co-operation is not just a punch line to be used during speeches. It is a feeling within our hearts, which ensures that there is someone to fall back on when a country faces natural disasters. I remember how some Japanese designers showcased their creations at an apparel fashion event in Mumbai, India the day after the disaster struck their home country. They too realised that the need of the hour was not to break down under difficult circumstances but to achieve their primary purpose, namely showcasing Japan and its abilities abroad. This again highlights the need to keep a world market perspective. Japan will recover faster from its setbacks because it has made the entire world its market. At the risk of sounding repetitive, this is again something that I have been championing at various SGAI forums as well. Instead of fighting with each other for a share of the domestic pie, let us raise quality benchmarks, broaden our horizons and target International business assignments while promoting ‘Brand India’. There is everything to gain and nothing to lose from keeping an open mindset and looking beyond borders. That is how Japan will bounce back from the problems it is facing at present. Do we want something positive to emerge from the recent events ? If yes, then fostering international co-operation and keeping a global market view are the key lessons to be learnt by all members of the screen printing community worldwide. "It also brought home the fact that the concept of International co-operation is not just a punch line to be used during speeches. It is a feeling within our hearts, which ensures that there is someone to fall back on when a country faces natural disasters." Anil Brahmbhatt.