Fountain Pen can help in regaining good handwriting: Maharashtra Education Commissioner

Pune, 5th November 2022: Maharashtra Education Commissioner Suraj Mandhare believes that in today’s digital edge, fountain pens can help in regaining good handwriting, which is becoming a rarity.

Mandhare made the remarks during a function held to celebrate the International Fountain Pen Day, the first Friday of November, at the Deccan Gymkhana Club on Friday evening.

The function was hosted by City based Venus Traders and Writing Wonders in presence of their owner Surendra Karamchandani. Architect Yashwant Pitkar and Dr Manohar Desai, of Symbiosis Institute of Design, Chintoo co-creator Charuhas Pandit, Bharatbhai Kanakhara and Hardik Kanakhara of Magna Carta Pens, were present on the occasion.

“Fountain pen is not just a medium of writing but a passion .. it’s an engaging phenomenon when your eyes, mind and hands get in sync and produce something beautiful,” Mandhare, an IAS officer, who is fond of Fountain Pens, said.

“Slow pace of writing makes this happen. In today’s digital world when good handwriting is becoming rare, fountain pens can help in regaining that .. and pen collection adds to great memories and value,” added Mandhare, who also recollected that his first signature as an government officer was made using a Fountain Pen.

Also, for the pen lovers, there was more in store. A small exhibition of historical
Instrument and Collection of Indian writing material, which was collected by Manohar Desai, was held.

And the instruments ranged from old ink pots of various sizes and shapes, including that of animals like elephants and rabbits, to Letter Boxes, to Brush Cases, Brush Stands, Tool Box and Manuscripts.

“Some of the artifacts are as old as 200 years old and the items are fetched from states including Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh,” said Desai, who got inspired to collect old writing materials after watching them at Raja Dinkar Kelkar museum.

The Ink Pots, particular made of Brass, and Copper, attracted attention.

Karamchandani announced that after the success of PL Deshpande Signature Pen and Chintoo Pen, they will be launching APJ Abdul Kalam Signature Pen, as a tribute to the former Indian President.

Karamchandani also announced that the International Pen Festival would be held at JW Marriott Hotel on Senapati Bapat Road on December 10 and 11.

Photo Captions: Maharashtra Education Commissioner Suraj Mandhare speaking at International Fountain Pen Day celebration held at Deccan Gymkhana club

Various historical writing instruments were exhibited to mark International Fountain Pen Day at Deccan Gymkhana club