In Hyderabad, fountain pen lovers meet every month to share their passion for writing . The Hyderabad Fountain Pen Club (HFPC) has turned into a hotspot for collectors and craftsmen,all united by love for pens, ink, and paper.
Atmosphere at these meetups? Buzzing. Members show off their latest finds — from shiny ebonite barrels to clear acrylic designs . Ink bottles in vivid colors spark lively chats . Shreyas Yedla, one of HFPC's founders,compares it to a classic Hyderabadi fair, where enthusiasts dive into the details of their cherished pens .
Before COVID-19,many collectors were solo. Then the pandemic hit,sparking new interest. Navin Sigamany,another founder,recalls how club's Facebook start in 2016 grew during lockdowns. “It got bigger in the pandemic,” he says. “People explored penmakers beyond their usual spots.” The first in-person meeting happened in 2022. Now, they meet often.
For some,like Nuvvala Srikanth,pens mean more than a hobby; they symbolize healing. After a health scare,writing became part of his rehab. “I wanted feedback from the nib,so I got it customized,” he says,showing the deep personal bond many have with their pens.
As members share their latest treasures,talks flow about craftsmanship and design. A Pilot Custom Urushi pen, known for its detailed lacquer work, draws admiration . The club loves handmade ebonite pens,prized for their durability and look .
Hyderabad's penmaking tradition thrives, with artisans like PLP leading the way. Holding one of his creations, PLP explains the complex process. “There are 35 steps to make one pen,” he says,from cutting ebonite rods to polishing the final product. At 73,PLP reflects on his long career, focusing on quality over profit. “I’m only happy when the pen is perfect,” he insists, making eight to ten pens daily .
PLP started young,training with engineers and working for pen companies . In 2021, he launched PLP with his sons, ensuring each pen is handmade. “Every pen is handmade,” his son Poona Sathish emphasizes,showing their dedication to craftsmanship .
Another key player is P Prabhakar Chari of Woodex in Masab Tank . Chari stresses finesse in his work. “Without finesse,crafting pens is impossible,” he says in Dakhni, reflecting on his lifelong passion. He makes 25 to 30 pens monthly,each marked by a serial number, not model name .
Chari has a loyal following, including politicians and police. But he worries about the future. “After me, there’s nobody,” he says, contemplating the legacy of penmaking in Hyderabad as he thinks of retiring.
HFPC keeps thriving,merging tradition with modernity. In today's digital world, members still believe in handwriting's power. They find joy in writing with fountain pens,a sentiment shared by many .
As meetings continue, the love for fountain pens grows, driven by shared stories and celebrated craftsmanship . HFPC stands as proof that penmanship's charm lives on in Hyderabad .
