It seems strange that a country that frequently sends the world’s satellites into space couldn’t make good pens half a century ago

In the summer of 1961, Government of India was waiting for an expert from the United States. Not an agricultural scientist or a meteorologist but someone with knowledge of the fountain pen industry. India had completely stopped importing fountain pens in 1958, and by 1960 domestic production of pens had risen to 12 million pieces in the organised sector and 10 million in cottage industries. We made enough pens for our needs ( although nibs were 100% imported) but not always to an acceptable quality. So in 1961, Government of India turned to the US for a quality control expert.

Login / register to read complete article.