But in a violent world, a pen reaffirms faith in dialogue, says Tushar Gandhi at the launch of a limited edition series of writing instruments inspired by the Mahatma
But in a violent world, a pen reaffirms faith in dialogue, says Tushar Gandhi at the launch of a limited edition series of writing instruments inspired by the Mahatma
Dim strains of Vaishnav Jan To plugged the atmosphere in a room full of swish brand representatives and lifestyle journalists, at a five-star on Tuesday. Trays laden with coin pizzas pirouetted around, balancing on the nimble gloved fingers of stewards hardly the atmosphere Bapu would've been at home in. But not ones to take things literally, the guests soaked in the symbolism as Montblanc, the German makers of luxury writing instruments, launched a limited edition series inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
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The 49 year-old was gifted a Mahatma Gandhi Limited Edition 241 fountain pen; his first Montblanc. "I can't afford one," he confessed with a smile.
The Mahatma Gandhi Limited Edition 241 fountain pen and the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Edition 3000, that will be available at the brand's 360 outlets across the world, are crafted so that each component carries a message associated with India's freedom. The number 241 denotes the distance travelled by Gandhi on the Salt March from Ahmedabad to the coast. The texture of the fine cotton that Gandhi spun is reflected in the lacquered surface, and the 925 sterling silver mountings on the cap and cone are shaped to resemble the yarn on a spindle.
The hand-crafted rhodium-plated 18k gold nib of the series shows the engraved image of Gandhi. The pen clip carries a saffron-hued fire opal.
It was Dilip Doshi, Chairman & Managing Director of Entrack, marketers of Montblanc in India, who mooted the idea to company CEO Lutz Bethge. "It's a shame that Gandhiji hasn't got his due in India. Universities abroad offer a curriculum to study his philosophy. Here, we've taken the icon for granted," said the 62 year-old.
Tushar Gandhi said he hoped that US president Barack Obama, who has often spoken of being inspired by Bapu's message, would "sign a lot of peace treaties with this pen."
What's up for sale?
Mahatma Gandhi Limited Edition 241 fountain pen
Only 240 fountain pens available (Tushar Gandhi was gifted one at the launch). For: Rs 11,39,000
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Edition 3000
This one reflects the ethos depicted in the Limited Edition 241 series. The only difference it's crafted in silver, which makes the price drop to Rs 1,67,000 (fountain pen) and Rs 1,47,000 (rollerball).
Available at: Montblanc, The Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, Apollo Bunder.
Who else has inspired a pen?
>>Fiercely reticent Hollywood actress Greta Garbo
>>Writers Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie
>>Historical figures Marquise De Pompadour and Louis XIV
>>Musicians Arturo Toscanini and Johann Sebastian Bach
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