Don't Lose Touch With Pen and Pencil: Kerala CM at Calligraphy Fest
Kerala CM VD Satheesan inaugurates the International Calligraphy Festival in Kochi, emphasizing the importance of handwriting in a digital age.
In an era dominated by glowing screens and rapid-fire typing, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan has issued a heartfelt plea to the public: do not let the art of handwriting fade away. Speaking at the inauguration of the International Calligraphy Festival of Kerala (ICK) in Kochi, the Chief Minister emphasized that despite the convenience of modern technology, the personal touch of a pen and pencil remains irreplaceable.
The Digital Divide in Personal Writing
Addressing a diverse gathering, Satheesan expressed concern over how digital communication has altered human connection. He noted that the constant reliance on digital interfaces has distanced individuals from their unique writing styles, making it increasingly rare to appreciate the personal nuances of another person's handwriting.
"In this digital era, we rarely get to see each other's handwriting," the Chief Minister remarked. He shared a personal realization from his time abroad, noting that his perspective on the importance of penmanship shifted significantly during a visit to England. He observed that refining and correcting one's handwriting is not merely an aesthetic choice but a fundamental necessity for academic success.
Lessons from the Indian Constitution
To underscore the profound historical value of calligraphy, the Chief Minister drew parallels to one of India's most sacred documents. He reminded the audience of the meticulous craftsmanship involved in the original manuscript of the Indian Constitution.
Satheesan recounted the story of the legendary calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada, who was entrusted by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to scribe the document. The Chief Minister highlighted a unique moment of respect in history: Raizada requested that his name appear on every page, along with his grandfather's name on the final page—a request that Nehru gracefully honored.
A Call for Institutional Support
The Chief Minister did not stop at mere encouragement; he signaled a potential shift in state policy to protect this traditional art form. He announced that the government would seriously consider the following initiatives:
- Establishing a dedicated institution specifically for the promotion and preservation of calligraphy.
- Exploring academic avenues to integrate calligraphy into formal education and learning frameworks.
Satheesan, who admitted he never leaves his home without a pen and pencil, urged the younger generation to maintain their connection to physical writing. He even pointed to the practical necessity of legibility, citing the standing orders that require doctors to write prescriptions in capital letters to ensure clarity and safety.
The International Calligraphy Festival serves as a vital platform to celebrate the cultural and artistic significance of handwriting, providing a space for enthusiasts to learn, engage, and ensure that the stroke of a pen does not become a relic of the past.