Amin Babu's Magnum Opus

Amin Babu creates the ultimate tome – Fountain Pens in Bangladesh!

I have known Amin Babu of Bangladesh for many years now. Professionally, he is a media person, but what makes him unique is his love for all things related to writing and writing instruments – pens, inks, and paper. However, what really sets him apart is his quest to dig deep into the history of the things that he is passionate about and the lengths to which he is willing to go to enrich his knowledge.

I first encountered this ability of Amin Babu when he wrote a piece for our blog www.inkedhappiness.com on the history and legacy of fountain pen making in Bangladesh, a piece that was extremely well-researched, articulated, and naturally applauded. It was around that time only that he had disclosed his interest in writing a comprehensive treatise on the subject, one that he hoped would take the form of a book.

His book is now published and available for the world to enjoy. Congratulations on a good job, well done! It goes without saying that the book has created a watershed event as it is the first of its kind in Bengali. As a matter of fact, I feel that there are very few books that are as comprehensive and as ambitious in their attempt. On this count alone, Amin Babu’s work demands all the kudos one can muster.

The Book is focused on Bangladesh, carefully charting the course of the pen, ink, and paper industries – their evolution, growth, and current status. To readers outside Bangladesh, it may seem a bit of a drag, but Amin Babu explains that since his primary readership will be within the borders of his country and since he has made it his life’s mission to enlighten his fellow countrymen about this rich legacy, his stress is justified. However, he is quick to point out that the English translation of the book that he is now working on will naturally be edited to appeal to a wider audience.

That is one book that I will look forward to, primarily for two reasons. One, there are hardly any good books that the fountain pen, inks, and accessories fanatics to quench their thirst on, and two, because very few people have worked so passionately on the subject in the subcontinent. The current book, though it ticks all the right boxes, is hamstrung by the fact that it is in Bengali and therefore not capable of reaching the global audience it justifiably deserves.

Amin Babu is himself a collector of fountain pens, primarily vintage and antique pens, and is highly regarded within the community of pen and ink collectors in Bangladesh. His work to ensure the continued growth and well-being of the community, too, is well appreciated. And now, with the publication of this book, he has provided his fellow aficionados with a tool of immense value, one that will, I hope, attract newer followers and ensure the continued growth of the fraternity. As for the local industry, it is a manna from heaven!