Arunnia Vimalendran Has bagged Outstanding Women Achiever Award in Print Industry

Arunnia Vimalendran Has bagged Outstanding Women Achiever Award in Print Industry

• July 20, 2023

"Pioneering Women in Print: Arunnia Vimalendran's Journey to Empower Women in the Printing Industry"

In a world where gender stereotypes often limit women's career choices, Arunnia Vimalendran stands tall as a shining example of female empowerment with courage, determination, and an unwavering belief in one's abilities. Arunnia Vimalendran, the Director of Business Operations at Unie Arts Private Ltd, a leading printing company in Sri Lanka, embodies these qualities. Her journey from a young girl with a passion for electronics to becoming a trailblazer in the printing industry is an inspiring testament to the power of following one's dreams.

Born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Arunnia Vimalendran's early years were marked by her exceptional academic achievements. Attending Methodist College Colombo, a prestigious girls' school, she stood out as an outstanding student, constantly pushing herself to reach new heights. The unwavering support and encouragement of her teachers and principals played a crucial role in shaping her into the strong, determined woman she is today.

From a young age, Arunnia possessed a fascination with electronics and a desire to understand how things worked. Her passion for gadgets, coupled with an interest in robotics and artificial intelligence, set her on a path toward a career in engineering. Arunnia embarked on her journey by pursuing a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering at Hindustan College of Engineering, affiliated with Anna University in India. Excelling in her academics, she graduated with First Class Distinction, not only setting the stage for her future endeavors but also proving her capabilities as a woman in engineering.

Upon completing her degree, Arunnia aspired to pursue her dream job in the field of engineering. Following the completion of her engineering degree, Arunnia had the opportunity to pursue a career in her chosen field. However, she made the bold decision to join her father's renowned printing company, Unie Arts, which he had established in 1988. Unie Arts specializes in offset printing and offers a wide range of services, including book printing, labels, brochures, stationery, packaging materials, and many more. With highly sophisticated machinery and a diverse client base spanning both domestic and global markets, Unie Arts stands as a testament to her father's over 50 years of expertise in the industry.

Rather than seeing this as a detour from her engineering aspirations, Arunnia recognized the potential for innovation and the application of her technical knowledge within the printing field. She saw an opportunity to optimize printing processes, enhance quality control, and leverage technology to drive efficiency. By combining her engineering background with her newfound passion for printing, Arunnia discovered a fulfilling career path where she could contribute her skills and expertise in a unique and impactful way. Her decision to shift to the printing industry was driven by her desire to explore new avenues, challenge herself, and pursue a career that aligned with her true passions and interests.

Driven by her commitment to excel in her field, Arunnia made the decision to pursue an MBA in Marketing at the University of Colombo. This move aimed to bolster her knowledge of business administration and equip her with the necessary tools to propel her family's printing business forward. Her dedication and hard work paid off handsomely, as she was awarded three gold medals during her MBA studies. Arunnia received the Gold Medal for Best Overall Performance in MBA Marketing, awarded by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM). She also earned the Establishment Award for Contemporary Management Thought from Chemical Industries (Col) Ltd. and the Gold Medal for Strategic Management.

Equipped with her MBA and armed with a passion for innovation, Arunnia spearheaded numerous transformative initiatives within Unie Arts. Rather than relying on traditional marketing paths, she emphasized the importance of quality and ensured that the business thrived through word-of-mouth marketing. Under her leadership, Unie Arts rose to become one of the top printing companies in Sri Lanka. Arunnia recognized that printing is essential for every business, and it will sustain itself indefinitely. From medical prescriptions to packaging materials, printing remains an indispensable industry. However, the field has traditionally been male-dominated, with women being underrepresented. Arunnia aims to change this narrative, empowering women to pursue careers in printing and encouraging their participation. Drawing confidence from her engineering background, she stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women in breaking barriers and achieving greatness.

Unie Arts Pvt Ltd positions itself as a global leader in the printing industry, distinguished by its unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. They strive to stay at the forefront of the industry by continually adapting to emerging technologies and trends.

Arunnia acknowledges the challenges she faced as a woman in the printing industry. However, she firmly believes that nothing is impossible for women. Her engineering background instilled in her the confidence to overcome obstacles and shatter stereotypes. Moreover, spirituality serves as a strong pillar in her life, providing guidance and strength throughout her journey. She finds inner peace, clarity, and a sense of connection through her spiritual practices, and she is eternally grateful to her Guru, His Holiness Bangaru Adigalar Amma of Melmaruvathur, who has been her guiding force, imparting wisdom and leading her on this path of life. Her Guru’s teachings have not only fostered her spiritual journey but also provided her with the confidence to excel in her field by instilling a deep belief in her abilities.

In addition to her professional endeavors, she indulged her creative side by writing scripts, articles, and other forms of written content. Writing served as an outlet for her thoughts, ideas, and observations.

Arunnia extends her heartfelt gratitude to Women Icon, powered by Times Women, and the Women Council for recognizing her as an outstanding women achiever in the printing industry. She appreciates their efforts in empowering and encouraging women. Being selected as the Women’s Entrepreneur of the Year in Service Business holds immense significance to her. She is truly humbled and grateful for this recognition, and as she accepts this award, she is filled with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to leveraging this recognition as a platform to advocate for gender equality and create a more inclusive and empowering environment within the printing industry.

Arunnia Vimalendran's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to all. Her story highlights the importance of following one's passions, breaking gender barriers, and embracing opportunities for growth and innovation. Arunnia's unwavering dedication and determination have not only transformed her family's printing business but have also paved the way for more women to enter and excel in the printing industry. As a trailblazer, she encourages aspiring women entrepreneurs to embrace their true potential, challenge societal norms, and leave an indelible mark on the world.

Arunnia Vimalendran's legacy stands as a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams. She has proven that the world of printing can be a thriving ground for women, where they can leave an indelible mark and inspire generations to come. With Arunnia's vision and passion leading the way, the printing industry is poised to witness a revolution where women's voices and contributions will shape the future of this essential field. Arunnia has overcome societal norms and carved a unique path for herself as a woman engineer, marketer, and printer.