The History of Ballpoint Pen Manufacturing in India

Ball pens were patented in the nineteenth century but achieved sizable commercial success in the mid-twentieth century. During British rule in India, direct-fill ball pens were imported and sold as luxurious goods, often known as “biros.” However, relying on foreign manufacturers highlighted India’s need for domestic pen manufacturing.

Mahatma Gandhi strongly urged self-reliance in India, and his Swadeshi movement aimed to encourage the use of Indian goods. In 1921, Gandhi interpreted the significance of producing pens and other articles for everyday use in India instead of counting on imports. He approached Andhra Pradesh entrepreneur Kosuri Venkataratanam to discover the opportunity to create the direct fill ball pen regionally. However, this imaginative and prescient vision only materialized after India gained independence.

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India acquired independence in 1947, which caused the development of indigenous direct-fill ball pen production. However, the initial years were challenging since the newly fashioned authorities entailed complex bureaucratic rules, making it difficult for entrepreneurs to acquire licenses and allow the installation of factories. Also, the production of refillable ball pens in India required plenty of technical understanding and infrastructure, which was then missing, leaving them dependent on overseas imports.

In 1962, India’s entrepreneurial spirit took over when Dhirajlal Mohanlal Joshi, a businessman from Rajkot, Gujarat, collaborated with Formulabs Inc. (USA) to establish the first manufacturing unit in India committed to ballpoint pen production. This marked a turning point in the country’s production industry, highlighting the capacity for domestic manufacturing.

The success of the Rajkot manufacturing unit stimulated other entrepreneurs to start their own reusable ball pen manufacturing enterprise in India during the 1960s and 1970s. This era also witnessed full-scale advancements in domestic generation, with companies developing indigenous ballpoint tip and ink manufacturing techniques.
The pen market in India is a lively and dynamic segment of the stationery industry. In FY2022, it accounted for approximately 80% (INR 78 billion) of the total writing instruments market worth INR 97.7 billion. This market has shown steady growth over the years, driven by rising literacy rates, an increasing student population, and a growing demand for premium and branded writing instruments. Direct-fill ball pens hold the largest share, capturing approximately 68% of the pen market in India by value as of FY2022.

Ball pen brands in India are now transitioning towards sustainability. Manufacturers are exploring the use of recyclable and eco-friendly components to reduce their adverse environmental impact. Technological advancements also drive the development of the latest pen features, such as erasable ink and refillable cartridges, catering to customers’ evolving needs.

The history of refillable ball pen production in India is a testament to the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit and continuous pursuit of self-reliance. Today, India is a leading ball pen manufacturer and boasts diverse manufacturers, from small-scale cottage gadgets to massive-scale groups. Ballpoint pens have become a symbol of accessibility and affordability, crucial in selling literacy and schooling nationwide.