An 'Ink Shift' to pen script for a greener tomorrow

IN the world of A4 sheets, ink cartridges, laptops and iPads, there still remain many who relish the lusciousness of a fountain pen gliding over quality paper.

- APARNA NAIR

IN the world of A4 sheets, ink cartridges, laptops and iPads, there still remain many who relish the lusciousness of a fountain pen gliding over quality paper. The resulting script is worthy of an Instagram post — if one were to give it a new-age twist. Today, writing with a fountain pen is almost a luxury, and the instrument itself has become a collector's item.

Yet, just a few decades ago, using a pen marked a rite of passage. It was a matter of pride when a pencil-wielding student graduated to a pen upon entering middle school. That pen was often a Camlin, a Hero, or sometimes an elegant model gifted by an indulgent relative from abroad, or a proud parent rewarding a deed well done.

"The trial would often be during school vacations, when we would learn to neatly load the pen with ink and write without smudging the paper. The entire exercise was a very delicate process. I remember having written a goodbye note to my grandpa that way after my time with them during school break," says Dr Remadevi B, who still prefers the finesse of the fountain pen to the boldness of the ballpoint.