Fountain Pen

Mrinal Chatterjee

November 1st is celebrated as Fountain Pen day. Created by pen enthusiast Cary Yeager, "Fountain Pen Day" is observed as an international appreciation for the hobby of using and collecting fountain pens. The idea is to embrace, promote, and share the use of fountain pens.

There are different opinions about who was the inventor of fountain pen.

The modern fountain pen, as we know it today, was patented by Lewis Waterman in 1884. The first patent of a fountain pen was filed by Frederick Fölsch in 1809. John Jacob Parker patented the first self-filling fountain pen in 1831. The Romanian inventor Petrache Poenaru received a French patent on May 25, 1827, for the first fountain pen.

By late nineteenth century fountain pens became the most favourite writing instrument across the world. Its reign continued till ball point pen became popular, which took quite some time. The first patent for a ballpoint pen was issued on 30 October 1888 to John J. Loud, who was attempting to make a writing instrument that would be able to write "on rough surfaces—such as wood, coarse wrapping-paper, and other articles" which fountain pens could not.

But once the ball point pens became handy, user-friendly and cheaper- people went for that. Fountain pens gradually faded from common use though fountain pens have many advantages over ball point pens.

Fountain pens provide more comfortable writing experience, as it uses liquid ink, which requires less pressure to write than ballpoint pens. This means you can write for longer periods without hand fatigue or cramping.

It is more environment friendly than ball point pens, as fountain pens are refillable, which produces less plastic waste than disposable pens. Fountain pens are more durable and long-lasting than other pens. If you take good care of your fountain pen, it can last for years.

The flowing ink of a fountain pen can help improve handwriting and avoid hand cramps. Fountain pens are ideal for sketching and calligraphy because of their smooth, consistent flow.

So, take my advice: use a fountain pen, instead of the plastic ball-pen that you are using.

Sekhar Gurera: 40 years of cartooning, and going strong

Sekhar Gurera (born 30 August 1965), one of the most well-known and prolific cartoonists of India completes 40 years in professional cartooning. He began his career with the Hindsamachar Ltd (Punjab Kesari Group of papers) in 1984. Gurera is now contributing cartoons to several publications including Times of India, Hindustan Times, Pioneer group of publications.

Born in Moga, Punjab he did his graduation in Science and degree in Applied Art. In 1984 he professionally started contributing to Punjab Kesari as freelancer while pursuing his graduation studies.

He started his career as an editorial cartoonist when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister. From Indira Gandhi to Narendra Modi, he has drawn cartoons on 10 Prime Ministers of India.

Cyber Crime

Cybercrime has become rampant in India. Between January and April 2024, Indian citizens suffered losses exceeding Rs 1,750 crore due to cybercriminal activities. This was reported through over 740,000 complaints lodged on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, which is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) stated that in May 2024, an average of 7,000 cybercrime complaints were recorded daily, marking a significant surge of 113.7 per cent compared to the period between 2021 and 2023, and a 60.9 per cent increase from 2022 to 2023.

People need to be aware about the tricks of the scammers. People should also know what they should do to avoid falling in the trap. And if they have been tricked, then what they should do.

I have written a play on this in Odia. It was aired on AIR, Cuttack last week.

Radio Blue

The first all women operated Community Radio Station (CRS) is set to be established in Odisha. Named Radio Blue, it is operated by Konark based NGO Asia Centre for Development Communication and Research (ACDCR).

Odisha presently has 42 CSRs, highest in a state in India. There are 520 CSRs now in India.

Community radio stations are locally-focused, non-commercial broadcasters that serve specific neighbourhoods, towns, or regions. They often provide a unique platform for local voices, airing content that reflects the culture, concerns, and values of the community. Programming ranges from educational segments, and cultural showcases to music from independent or local artists, providing a refreshing alternative to commercial media. Community radio stations also promote civic engagement, allowing residents to discuss local issues, share opinions, and stay informed about events. They play an important role in preserving regional languages, dialects, and traditions. By prioritizing inclusivity and community involvement, these stations foster a sense of belonging and empower residents to actively participate in media.

Diwali Problem

Too much pollution coming into house. But can’t keep doors and windows closed, because Laxmi Mata will come.

(Courtesy: Social Media)