Many of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s have fond memories of our school days. One such memory was our association with the iconic Camlin geometry box. For countless students, it was more than just a stationery item; it was a prized possession and a symbol of academic pride. Behind this beloved brand lies a story of inspiration, perseverance, and a touch of serendipity.
The tale of Camlin began in 1931 with Digambar Parashuram Dandekar, a chemistry graduate, who was inspired by the Swadeshi Movement. Determined to contribute to India’s self-reliance, Dandekar started manufacturing writing ink in his home with help from his elder brother, Govind Dandekar. His routine was grueling: he would make the product at night and sell it to local businesses during the day. Despite the lack of branding, the quality of his ink won over many, and his customer base grew steadily.
Initially, the ink powder evolved into tablets and then into liquid ink, sold in recycled glass bottles. The product’s success was driven by its quality and the Dandekars’ dedication to service. However, as the market expanded, the need for a brand identity became evident to take on the MNC brands. At one point, the name ‘horse’ was being considered but already taken.
The quest for a distinctive name continued until one fateful day in an Irani café in Bombay. While sipping tea, Dandekar noticed a poster for Camel cigarettes with the slogan, “I ‘d walk a mile for a Camel.” Inspired by this line, he named his ink Camel, capitalizing on the ease of pronunciation in Indian languages and the camel’s symbolic endurance, which aligned perfectly with his product’s reliability. He drove the message that “Camel Ink writes for miles and miles without a break.”
The name resonated well. However, as the company grew, it was renamed Camlin in 1946, after ‘Camel’ and ‘Ink.’ This new identity also distinguished the name from the Camel brand of cigarettes.
By the mid-1950s, Camlin had established a nationwide presence. The founder’s son, Subhash Dandekar, who later became Chairman and Chairman Emeritus, helped the company expand into colored drawing inks, which became an instant hit.
Over the years, Camlin expanded its product range, becoming synonymous with quality and reliability. In 2011, Japanese stationery giant Kokuyo Co. Ltd acquired a major stake in Camlin, marking a new chapter that blended Camlin’s rich legacy with Kokuyo’s global expertise.
Digambar Parashuram Dandekar’s autobiography is aptly titled “A Travel on Camel.“ The book chronicles his work, the challenges he faced, and his firm belief in the power of perseverance and quality while building a brand.
Picture Credit: https://www.kokuyocamlin.com/
