An appointment with the Pen Doctor, who revives old fountain pens with love and expertise in Madurai
R Srinivasan, known as the 'Pen Doctor' in Madurai, continues a 50-year tradition of repairing fountain pens. Despite the prevalence of disposable pens, he maintains a niche business serving enthusiasts and those who value traditional writing instruments.
Why it matters
Highlights the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and local culture in an increasingly disposable consumer economy.
Long before disposable pens became common, people brought their favourite fountain pens to R Srinivasan whenever they stopped writing. They still do. Everyone fondly calls him the ‘Pen Doctor’. He is more than 70 years old and has been repairing fountain pens from his small shop near the Meenakshi Amman Temple for more than 50 years. From old models such as Pilot and Wality to newer China-made models, his collection shows how fountain pens have changed over the years. While most of us would throw away a pen that has stopped writing, Srinivasan repairs it and gives it new life.
His small shop is easy to miss if you are walking through the busy streets around the temple. But for those who still love writing with fountain pens, it’s a familiar spot.
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