On 25 July, a series of nine synchronised low-intensity bombs went off in Bangalore, killing one person and injuring eight.

The following day, 17 explosions rocked the city of Ahmedabad, killing more than 40 people and injuring hundreds more.

Both cities, besides being vital trade and commercial capitals, are also vital print centres for the country.

Venkatesh Babu of Omkar Offset and president of the state association Karnataka Offset Printer’s Association, said: "The Bangalore print industry has not suffered from the horrendous impact of the bombs, but the morale in the city is low."

A lot of out-station buyers fulfil their print requirement in Bangalore. Shivakumar Suryajo, from Jwalamukhi Job Press in Bangalore, said: "For the last few days, Bangalore has been gripped with fear and terror due to the dastardly acts of miscreants.

"All of us have tasted the tinge of death, due to terrorism. How are we going to counter this is the next big question?"

He added: "As it is, there is a slackness in business. This has worsened the situation."

However, Vijay Shah, of Chirag Offset in Ahmedabad, explained: "The print industry was not affected because the blasts occurred in a residential area of the city and after business hours. The city is limping back into shape."

Shah added: "The blasts have come at a time when the print industry in Ahmedabad is growing.

"Printers are installing brand-new multicolour press units, building print capacity and expanding their infrastructure.

"Patel Digitals has invested in three NexPress S3000 digital production colour presses. Some of the other printers are eyeing print on-demand and personalised printing, as well as post-press equipment."

Jwalamukhi Job Press' Suryajo said everyone must be brave in the face of such acts: "Tolerance and harmony is the only answer. We have fallen prey to intolerance.

"We need tremendous fortitude to face the ramifications of terror. Ultimately, this is the only way we can stitch the last threads of sanity and live our lives with dignity and decency."