Exploring the Legacy: The Story Behind Hindustan Pencils Ltd.

Friendship Forged in Lead and the Iconic Nataraj and Apsara Pencils

In the lively city of Bombay, now called Mumbai, something special happened in 1958. That’s when Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd. was born. It’s a big name in making pencils and stationery in India. Three great friends, B. J. Sanghvi (everyone calls him Babubhai), Ramnath Mehra, and Mansookani, started this amazing journey together.

The company’s inception was fueled by the shared vision of friends B. J. Sanghvi, Ramnath Mehra, and Mansookani, whose combined efforts propelled Hindustan Pencils to its current status as one of the most renowned pencil manufacturing companies in India. The company’s product line includes a variety of writing instruments, predominantly featuring wood-cased pencils, sharpeners, erasers, and pens under the Nataraj and Apsara brands.

Notably, Hindustan Pencils has secured its position as a market leader, boasting a substantial 45% market share in the industry. With the capacity to manufacture over 8.5 million pencils daily, it stands as the largest pencil manufacturer in India, a testament to its commitment to quality and innovation. Beyond the borders of the nation, Hindustan Pencils has extended its reach to more than 50 countries, establishing a global presence in the world of stationery.

Genesis of Nataraj and Apsara: The Childhood Companions

The heartwarming narrative of Nataraj and Apsara pencils finds its roots in the camaraderie shared by these three pioneers. Fuelled by a shared passion for pencils, they embarked on a journey to Germany, where they honed their skills in the art of pencil making. Upon their return to India, armed with newfound expertise, they gave life to the iconic Nataraj Pencil.

With distinctive red and black stripes, Nataraj and Apsara pencils became an integral part of every Indian child’s academic journey. These writing companions, crafted with care and precision, carried within them a world of memories – from the initial strokes on paper to the meticulous shading during exams.

As the sands of time passed, Babubhai Sanghvi assumed leadership, steering Hindustan Pencils towards unprecedented success. The legacy of these childhood companions, Nataraj and Apsara, resonates with millions, weaving a tapestry of nostalgia and creativity.

Taking a Stand: Hindustan Pencils vs. Scammers

In the face of success, Hindustan Pencils encountered an unexpected hurdle in the form of deceitful job offers. Impersonators, falsely claiming to represent HPPL, lured unsuspecting job seekers with promises of work-from-home pencil packaging opportunities. In response, HPPL took a resolute stance against these scammers, refraining from any solicitation of payment from job seekers under any circumstances.

The company initiated impactful measures to combat the rising issue:

1. Legal Action: Hindustan Pencils didn’t hesitate to take a strong stand against these fraudulent activities. Filing First Information Reports (FIRs), they initiated legal proceedings against those responsible for propagating these deceptive job offers.

2. Awareness Videos: To educate the public about the gravity of these fraudulent job scams, Hindustan Pencils produced and uploaded awareness videos in ten major Indian languages. These videos, shared across various social media channels, emphasize the importance of verifying job offers through official channels to thwart falling victim to scams.

3. Vigilant Takedown of Fake Advertisements: Remaining vigilant, HPPL actively tracked fake advertisements on Facebook. Their efforts resulted in the successful removal of 991 pages carrying false advertisements for work-from-home pencil packing jobs. Additionally, 11 pages promoting fraudulent job opportunities were taken down from the IndiaMART portal.

4. Communication Outreach: Collaborating with law enforcement authorities, Hindustan Pencils engaged in extensive communication outreach. This involved reaching out to consumers across India through emails, telephone calls, and a 24×7 automated response on the board line. A manually operated customer care executive responded through the consumer care number to highlight the menace of the fraudulent packaging job scam, aiming to safeguard public interests.

Inspiring Creativity: Apsara Coloring Competition

Beyond the challenges, Hindustan Pencils continues to inspire creativity through initiatives like the Apsara Coloring Competition. Held within school premises, this competition encourages students to explore a world of colors, fostering creativity and imagination. Hindustan Pencils consistently champions various initiatives promoting education, art, and culture, leaving a positive impact on communities.

The DKTE Society’s Anantrao Bhide Vidyamandir extends heartfelt appreciation to Hindustan Pencils for supporting the Apsara Coloring Competition. This partnership not only motivates students to explore their artistic potential but also underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing talent within communities.

A Legacy of Friendship, Integrity, and Creativity

Hindustan Pencils Pvt. Ltd. stands not only as a giant in the stationery industry but also as a testament to enduring friendship, integrity in business, and a commitment to fostering creativity. The journey of Nataraj and Apsara pencils, intertwined with the lives of millions, mirrors the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines this iconic brand. As we celebrate the legacy of Hindustan Pencils, we also acknowledge its role in shaping the artistic and academic landscapes of generations past, present, and future.