In an era dominated by touchscreens and keyboards, Pune this morning witnessed a celebration of the old-world charm of fountain pens. The Pune Fountain Pen Show — India’s only exclusive exhibition dedicated to fountain pens commenced at One Place, Fergusson College Road, with collectors, students, and professionals thronging the stalls.Organised by The Ink and Pens, the three-day exhibition (September 26–28) has returned for its fifth edition. Over a thousand visitors marked opening day, and organisers expect the footfall to cross 5,000 by Sunday.The exhibition is strictly exclusive to fountain pens — no ballpoints or roller pens are on display. Prices range from ₹120 for starter models to a staggering Rs 5–6 lakh for handcrafted luxury editions.Among the biggest attractions this year were Pune-based and other Indian brands, showcasing 100% handcrafted pens made of wood and metal. With more than 300 shade variations and specially designed nibs, these pens stood out for their ease of writing and unique grip.“Once you write with one of these, you can’t go back to ordinary pens — it’s addictive,” said a collector displaying his growing set.The makers added that fountain writing demands patience but rewards users by sharpening memory and focus.Story continues below this adThe undisputed show-stealer, however, was a pen named “Abhimanyu”, described by its makers as a pen that “catches, addicts, and traps you like the chakravyuh of the Mahabharata.” A visitor standing nearby laughed in agreement: “That’s true — I already own seven or eight Abhimanyu versions.”On the international side, German brand Lamy, winner of 250-plus global awards and named “Brand of the Century” in 2017, displayed models priced between Rs 3,900 and Rs 48,000. Dealers likened fountain pens to “the Rolex of watches or the Mustang of cars” for their timeless appeal.For history lovers, Lotus Pens unveiled a limited edition dedicated to Shrimant Thorale Bajirao Peshwe. Featuring 41 engravings of Bajirao’s victories, including the rajmudra, dandpatta, and the proclamation “Har Har Mahadev”, only 41 pieces have been crafted, priced at Rs 18,800 each.Beyond display and sales, the exhibition offers pen restoration, “Make Your Own Pen” workshops, and stalls featuring accessories and jewellery.Story continues below this ad“The original writing can be traced back to Ganpati Bappa’s scripts. Fountain pens should return to every home — they are not just writing tools but instruments of thought,” said Rashmi Pillai, director of The Ink and Pens.A handwriting competition, inviting participants to submit handwritten copies of the national anthem, was also announced. Winners will be declared on World Fountain Pen Day, November 7.As one enthusiast summed up: “In a world rushing to type, fountain pens remind us that slowing down has its own power. The pen, indeed, remains mightier than the sword.”