The community is rekindling a romance with fountain pens

Remember those days when owning a fountain pen was a symbol of pride, irrespective of what age group you were from? Then, over the years, the fountain took a backseat. But a dedicated community of collectors are keeping the writing instrument from vanishing into obscurity. On quiet weekend afternoons, Pune's fountain pen collectors meet with pens and notebooks while sharing stories of writing. In these stories, there’s just one hero – the fountain pen.

Where it all began: the first pen that shaped a lifelong bond
The pens, collectors say, relay the emotions they feel. Vishwesh Jirgale, a software professional, recalls how the fountain pen first entered his life. “The fountain pen was instrumental in improving my handwriting and helping me slow down. A simple Lamy Safari altered my relationship with writing altogether. Writing with a fountain pen just feels perfect,” he says. Most collectors trace their beginnings to childhood memories or family influence. Chartered accountant Rohit Revankar shares the journey of a Hero pen and how it was a constant companion through exams and milestones till his graduation. Cybersecurity consultant Rohit Joshi smiles recalling the hundreds of pens he collected, scavenging spare change to buy most of them. For every collector, pen collection is not just a hobby, it’s a core memory. The community hosts exhibitions, regular informal meetups and rare fountain-pen-only showcases at times.

Keeping the passion alive among youngsters
Collectors agree that there are a bunch of youngsters showing real interest in pens. Most of them are drawn by journaling, sketching, sustainability, or a desire to disconnect from screens. “We are trying to create conducive environments for them to engage in this,” says Rajesh Pillai, retailer and collector, adding that they often gift pens to youngsters to spark curiosity among them. Meanwhile, collectors and retailers cite the worry about fading repair skills and visibility that might hamper the tradition. Yet they hope that the pens remain living tools, not nostalgic relics, through their efforts.

How to engage with the community? At stores like The Ink and Pen in Narayan Peth or through groups like the Elite Pen Family and the Inkwell Circle via WhatsApp

The hunt for the right pen Apart from local specialty stores, collectors turn to exhibitions, pen shows, and online forums to collect pens. The vintage finds surface through estate sales as well as private swaps within the community.

Popular pen brands among collectors Montegrappa, S.T.Dupont, Visconti, Waterman, Diplomat, Pininfarina, Ratnam, Gama, Ranga, ASA

Once used, a pen stops being an object and becomes a constant companion. Writing with a fountain pen has turned my thoughts into mindful acts
- Rohit Joshi, cybersecurity consultant and collector