Harveer Sahni, chairman of Delhi-based Weldon Celloplast Limited, was recently honored by the LMAI, India’s label industry association. Sahni is the recipient of LMAI’s first award of its kind, awarded for his “Lifetime in Support of India’s Label Industry.”

In addition to his work with Weldon Celloplast, Sahni has been a longtime advocate and champion for India’s greater label industry. He started his label career in 1978 working in siliconizing operations. Being an early entrant in the industry, he has witnessed the evolution of labels. He moved forward and started to produce self-adhesive labelstocks, tamper evident security labels and computer labels for his company Weldon Celloplast which was incorporated in 1982.

Sahni led the way in the transformation in India of silicone coating chemistries from solvent-based post cure tin catalyst systems to solvent platinum catalyst systems and then on to the now widely used chemistry – the solventless platinum catylyst silicone system. He was also one the earliest Indian manufacturers to offer labelstocks with hot melt adhesives.

Weldon was the first Indian labelstock manufacturer to have exhibited at Labelexpo Europe. The company now is a total solutions provider for the label industry supplying from materials to machines representing global brands for equipment, tooling and consumables for the label industry.

Sahni is also the first and only Indian so far to be a member of European label association FINAT’s committees.

In an effort to give back to the industry that became a passion for him, he is dedicated to writing for industry publications such as Label & Narrow Web, and he also writes a popular blog titled “Self adhesive labels industry in India and the world” at http://harveersahni.blogspot.com. The blog has become a reference point for the global label fraternity and has reached 200,000 pageviews. Globally read, 60% of its pageviews are from countries other than India. Sahni has authored and uploaded 139 blog articles to date

In accepting the award, Sahni said, “I am extremely overwhelmed! It is because of you, my friends, and your blessings that I have received this honor. Thank you so much. I thank the LMAI leadership for this. It means so much to me and makes me go on. I am passionate about the label industry and love to spend hours researching, reading and writing about labels.

“When I started writing my blog I was skeptical as to who would read it, my son Pawan assured me that sharing my knowledge with the industry will be appreciated and people will find me on their own. When the blog crossed 5,000 page views I was thrilled, and it is now on the verge of crossing 200,000 page views. I am humbled by the continued patronage by my industry peers. It has edged me on,” Sahni said.

Moving forward, Sahni believes the future health of the Indian label industry rests in those up-and-coming. “We need to mentor and empower our next generations,” he said. “They have to protect, innovate, expand, grow and improve upon the businesses you set up so painstakingly. We need to involve the power of youth and sharpen their skills. Today’s generation is much more knowledgeable. They have access to IT, advanced specialized education, mobile phones, telephones and the energy that if channelized can work wonders under your guidance. I have tried to be an example. Some weeks ago I stepped back from day to day management of my company and handed over the reigns to my sons and was designated as chairman. My elder son Pawandeep now leads as managing director and supporting him is his younger brother KD.

“This honor is neither the end of my label journey nor the pinnacle reached as yet. It in fact nudges me to deliver and contribute more to the label industry and its constituents. I have tried to give back to the industry, an industry that gave me so much love and affection. I am proud to say I get it back in full measure. Quoting from the Gurbani, ‘This is the eternal truth, those who spread the message of love found God. I tried it and found immense happiness in what is coming back. This is heavenly! I love you all, I found God in you my friends. Thank you.”