On June 1, 2021, the world of anti-counterfeiting lost one of its most passionate pioneers—Late Shree Umendra Kumar Gupta, fondly known as UK Gupta. A visionary leader, devoted entrepreneur, and compassionate human being, Mr. Gupta left behind an unmatched legacy that continues to inspire the industry and those who knew him.

With a remarkable journey spanning over four decades, Mr. Gupta was not just the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Holostik Group, but also a globally respected voice in the authentication and holography landscape. A first-generation entrepreneur, he laid the foundation of Holostik India in 1991 to address the growing menace of counterfeiting—an issue he tackled with deep conviction and relentless innovation.

His foresight gave birth to one of India’s most trusted anti-counterfeiting companies, empowering over 15,000 brands across 100+ countries. Under his leadership, Holostik became synonymous with quality, innovation, and integrity.

In 1998, he co-founded the Authentication Solution Providers Association (ASPA) and served as its President, shaping India’s authentication ecosystem and establishing industry standards. He was also the only Indian to be conferred with the prestigious Brian Monaghan Award by the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) for his outstanding global contribution to holography.

To honour his indelible contribution to the industry, ASPA initiated the UK Gupta Excellence Award—a tribute that reflects the respect, admiration, and legacy he built over the years.

Despite his towering professional achievements, Mr. Gupta remained grounded. He was a philanthropist at heart, supporting numerous social causes, including girls’ education and vocational training in rural India. His association with institutions like Rotary International and Ashoka University reflected his belief in creating lasting social impact.

Mr. Gupta’s leadership was defined by humility, courage, and a future-forward mindset. He inspired a generation of entrepreneurs with his fearless decision-making, deep-rooted values, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Mrs. Vandana Gupta, sons Mr. Ankit Gupta and Mr. Shobhit Gupta, and the entire Holostik family.

Though he is no longer with us, his vision continues to guide us, his values continue to shape us, and his legacy lives on in every step we take towards building a safer, more authentic world.