The Pen We Choose Can Change the Planet: Why Writers Should Return to Fountain Pens

  

The Pen in Your Hand Is Also a Choice

As bloggers, writers, readers, teachers, and students, we spend countless hours writing. We often discuss sustainability, yet one of the most commonly used plastic products on our desks is the humble ballpoint pen.

Every refill, every disposable pen, every transparent plastic folder handed out at conferences eventually becomes waste.

What if we simply chose differently?

A fountain pen or a refillable ink pen may seem old-fashioned, but it is one of the simplest ways to reduce plastic consumption.

Why Choose a Fountain Pen or Ink Pen?

It lasts for years, sometimes even decades.

Only the ink needs replenishing instead of throwing away an entire plastic pen.

It creates far less plastic waste.

It encourages slower, more mindful writing.

Many writers feel it improves handwriting and makes writing more enjoyable.

For generations, authors, journalists, and scholars created masterpieces with fountain pens. They remain reliable companions even today.

Say No to Plastic Pens as Gifts

Seminars, conferences, workshops, and book launches often distribute:

plastic ballpoint pens

transparent plastic folders

disposable writing pads

These items are accepted without a second thought. Most are forgotten in a drawer or discarded after a short time.

Instead of collecting them, we can politely decline.

A simple "Thank you, but I have my own notebook and pen" sends a powerful message.

If enough participants do this, organisers may rethink what they distribute in future events.

Carry Your Own Writing Kit

I have decided to carry:

my own reusable notebook or paper pad

my own fountain pen or refillable ink pen

If organisers offer another scribbling pad or a plastic pen, I can politely return them with thanks.

It is not about rejecting their hospitality. It is about reducing unnecessary waste.

Small actions often create larger conversations.

The Ripple Effect

Imagine if every blogger, journalist, author, teacher, and student made this one change.

The demand for disposable plastic pens would gradually decrease.

As demand falls, production naturally follows.

Real environmental change often begins with consumers choosing better alternatives rather than waiting for manufacturers to change first.

Every Signature Counts

The words we write influence people.

The tools we use should reflect the values we believe in.

An eco-friendly lifestyle is not always about dramatic changes. Sometimes it begins with something as ordinary as a pen.

The next time you need to write, choose an ink pen over a disposable plastic one.

It may seem like a tiny decision, but millions of tiny decisions together can create a cleaner future.

What about you? Would you consider carrying your own notebook and fountain pen to your next seminar or conference and politely declining disposable plastic stationery?

Book Review: Like a Fine Wine by Syeda Imam

   

 

Some books redefine the way we look at familiar emotions. Like a Fine Wine by Syeda Imam, published by Roli Books in 2023, is one such book. Rather than presenting dreamy romances filled with poetry, chocolates, soft toys, or Valentine's Day celebrations, it introduces readers to nine extraordinary love stories rooted in real life.

These are not fairy tales or fantasies. They are stories of ordinary people who faced extraordinary hardships and chose love despite every obstacle placed before them. Each narrative reflects resilience, sacrifice, companionship, and unwavering commitment—qualities that truly define enduring love.

What binds all nine stories together is a simple yet profound truth: love knows no boundaries. Age difference, social status, career choices, caste, creed, nationality, religion, and language become insignificant when two people are determined to build a life together. We have all grown up hearing the saying, "Everything is fair in love and war." The couples featured in this book did not merely believe in those words—they lived them. They stood by one another through life's challenges and remained steadfast in their commitment.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in the author's thoughtful selection of these nine couples. Syeda Imam has chosen relationships that inspire rather than merely entertain. They are living examples from Indian society, proving that love is not measured by grand gestures but by the courage to nurture and sustain it through every phase of life.

An appealing feature of the book is that each of the nine stories begins with a black-and-white photograph of the couple. These photographs add a personal and authentic touch, allowing readers to connect faces with the remarkable journeys that follow. They reinforce the fact that these are not fictional characters but real people whose lives and relationships have stood the test of time, making every story even more meaningful and memorable.

 While reading, I could not help comparing these nine stories to the Navaratnas—the nine precious gems. Each gem possesses its own colour, brilliance, and unique qualities. Likewise, every love story in this collection shines with its own individuality. None resembles the other, yet together they create a magnificent mosaic of human relationships.

Spread across 260 pages, Like a Fine Wine explores the many dimensions of love with warmth and authenticity. Every story leaves behind meaningful lessons—not just about romance but also about trust, perseverance, mutual respect, understanding, and emotional strength. The narratives remind us that true love matures with time, much like a fine wine, growing richer through shared experiences and unwavering faith in one another.

This is not merely a collection of love stories. It is a book about strength, hope, sincerity, resilience, and the quiet beauty of standing beside someone through every season of life. It encourages readers to look beyond appearances and appreciate the deeper values that sustain lasting relationships. The book carries a black and white photograph of one of each of the nine pair at the starting of their story.

 Like a Fine Wine is an inspiring and heart-warming read that celebrates love in its truest form. It is a book that young adults, newly married couples, and even those who have spent decades together can read with equal appreciation. It offers a refreshing perspective on relationships and reminds us that genuine love is built not on fleeting romance but on trust, patience, sacrifice, and companionship.

 A highly recommended read for anyone who wishes to understand that the strongest love stories are often the ones quietly lived, not loudly proclaimed.

Marudani and Gorintaku: The Timeless Tradition That Colours Hands, Hearts, and Heritage

   

 

A Bowl of Marudani, A Handful of Memories

Yesterday evening, my new neighbour knocked on my door with a small bowl of freshly ground Marudani. She had prepared it at home and had come to share it with the women in the neighbourhood, just as generations before her had done.

That simple gesture instantly transported me back to my childhood. Memories of plucking Marudani leaves from the backyard, watching elders patiently grind them into a smooth paste, and waiting eagerly for the rich reddish-orange colour to appear on our palms came rushing back.

In today's fast-paced world, where ready-made mehendi cones are available at every corner, such heartfelt traditions are becoming rare. Yet, one small bowl of freshly prepared Marudani reminded me that some customs are not merely rituals—they are expressions of love, blessings, friendship, and community.

It also inspired me to write this post, celebrating the beautiful tradition of Marudani in Tamil culture and Gorintaku in Telugu culture, a heritage that deserves to be remembered and passed on to future generations.

Some traditions are not learned from books. They are passed on through hands—quite literally.

For generations, Marudani in Tamil culture and Gorintaku in Telugu culture have been much more than a natural hand decoration. They represent family bonds, festive joy, blessings, and the beauty of simple living. Long before ready-made mehendi cones became common, every household knew the joy of preparing fresh henna from the garden.

A Plant That Belonged in Every Home

In many villages across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, and even in numerous urban homes, a Marudani (Henna) plant was an essential part of the backyard garden.

Whenever a festival, wedding, or family function approached, someone in the house would step into the garden and carefully pluck fresh Marudani leaves. The leaves were washed and taken to the grinding stone.

There were no shortcuts.

The leaves were patiently ground into a smooth paste. To deepen the colour, a few pieces of whole betel nut (pakku/supari) were often added while grinding. Water was sprinkled gradually until the paste reached the perfect consistency.

The fragrance of freshly ground Marudani itself announced that a celebration was about to begin.

The Art Before Mehendi Cones

There were no plastic cones or ready-made stencils.

The designs were created with love by another family member.

Some women used only their fingertips to create elegant patterns. Others used simple household tools like:

Matchsticks

Thin sticks made from dried coconut leaf ribs

Small handmade wooden sticks

With remarkable skill, they drew straight lines, dots, flowers, vines, and geometric patterns across the palms.

The fingertips were often completely covered with Marudani, forming tiny caps of rich green paste that later turned into a beautiful reddish-orange stain.

Every design reflected patience rather than perfection.

Waiting for Nature's Magic

Once applied, the paste was allowed to dry naturally for several hours.

Children were constantly reminded,

"Don't touch anything!"

Hands remained carefully open while conversations, laughter, storytelling, and festive preparations continued around them.

After the paste dried completely, it was gently washed off with plain water.

Slowly, almost magically, the orange stain appeared.

Within a day, it deepened into shades of reddish-orange, becoming nature's own ornament.

Nothing Went to Waste

If some Marudani paste remained after decorating the hands of all the women in the family, it was never discarded.

Instead, it was lovingly applied to the feet as well.

The feet, decorated with Marudani, completed the festive appearance.

This simple practice reflected an older generation's respect for natural resources—using every bit with gratitude.

Aadi and Thai Fridays in Tamil Tradition

In Tamil households, Aadi Fridays and Thai Fridays hold immense spiritual importance.

Women wake up early, clean their homes, draw colourful kolams, offer prayers to the Goddess, and prepare traditional foods.

Applying Marudani becomes an inseparable part of these auspicious Fridays.

The decorated hands symbolize:

Prosperity

Auspiciousness

Divine blessings

Feminine grace

Joyful celebration

It is believed that celebrating these sacred Fridays with devotion brings well-being to the family.

Ashada Month and Gorintaku in Telugu Homes

In Telugu culture, the month of Ashada carries a unique tradition.

Young girls in the family are treated as manifestations of Devi Maa, the Divine Mother.

As part of this beautiful custom, Gorintaku is lovingly applied to their tiny hands.

The ritual is not merely decorative.

It is an expression of reverence towards the feminine divine present in every girl child.

The smiles on those little faces, proudly showing their freshly coloured palms, become precious memories that stay with families for years.

Sharing Happiness with the Neighbourhood

Perhaps the most touching part of this tradition is its generosity.

Once the Marudani paste was prepared, it was rarely kept only within the family.

A small bowl of the freshly ground paste was shared with neighbouring homes.

Women exchanged Marudani with one another as a gesture of goodwill, prosperity, affection, and festive spirit.

The blessing was simple:

"May your home also be filled with happiness and abundance."

The giver felt joyful.

The receiver felt remembered.

Thus, one bowl of freshly ground leaves strengthened an entire neighbourhood.

More Than Decoration

Today, beautifully packed mehendi cones are available everywhere. Intricate professional designs have become popular for weddings and special occasions.

Yet, the traditional ritual of grinding fresh Marudani leaves by hand carries something irreplaceable.

It teaches:

Patience over convenience.

Nature over chemicals.

Sharing over storing.

Togetherness over individuality.

Tradition over trend.

Every leaf carried the fragrance of home.

Every pattern carried the touch of someone dear.

Every coloured palm carried generations of memories.

A Living Heritage Worth Preserving

Marudani and Gorintaku remind us that our greatest cultural treasures often grow quietly in our own backyards.

A handful of leaves, a grinding stone, the loving hands of a mother, grandmother, aunt, or sister, and an afternoon spent waiting for nature to work its magic—these simple moments have coloured not only palms but also countless childhoods and family memories.

As modern life moves faster each day, preserving such traditions helps us stay connected to our roots.

Because sometimes, the deepest colours are not the ones we paint—they are the ones our culture leaves on our hearts.

The Little Star That Means a Lot: Winning a BlogChatter Top Blog Badge

 

Some Sunday mornings begin with a cup of coffee. Some begin with a long to-do list.

And then there are those rare mornings that begin with a simple email—one that instantly brings a smile and makes the entire day feel brighter.

This Sunday was one such morning.

Receiving the BlogChatter Top Blog Badge is more than just another email notification. It is a recognition of our writing from a community that understands what goes into every blog post—the hours of reading, researching, writing, editing, formatting, publishing, and finally sharing it with readers.

Since 2021, I have proudly earned a total of 35 BlogChatter badges, and this is the latest addition to that journey. You can explore all my BlogChatter badges on my blog here: https://bookfoodlanguage.blogspot.com

To someone outside the blogging world, it may look like a small blue badge.

To a blogger, it is something much more.

It reminds me of our school days, when we eagerly waited for our notebooks to be returned after correction. The happiest moment was spotting a tiny star or a "Very Good" written by our teacher. That little star was enough to make us proud of our efforts and encourage us to do even better the next time.

The BlogChatter Top Blog Badge brings back that very same feeling.

Only now, we are adults.

The notebooks have become blogs, the teachers have become our blogging community, and the blue star has become a badge displayed proudly on our websites.

Yet the emotion remains exactly the same.

Perhaps it is even greater.

Because as adults, appreciation doesn't come every day. We quietly continue creating content, often wondering whether our work has reached people or made a difference. Then, without warning, an email lands in our inbox.

"Congratulations! Your blog has been selected as a Top Blog."

For a few moments, everything else stops.

There is surprise.

There is disbelief.

There is joy.

And then there is gratitude.

That tiny blue badge is not just an icon. It represents consistency, creativity, perseverance, and the confidence to keep writing even when inspiration runs low.

Every blogger in the BlogChatter community knows how much this recognition matters. It is never about collecting badges. It is about knowing that someone read your work, appreciated your effort, and believed it deserved to be highlighted.

That feeling cannot be bought.

No gift can replace the happiness of unexpectedly receiving that congratulatory email.

It is one of those beautiful moments that quietly reminds us why we started blogging in the first place.

Today, my blog wears another little blue star with pride.

And my heart carries an even bigger smile.

Thank you, BlogChatter, for continuing to encourage bloggers through such thoughtful recognitions.

Here's to many more stories, many more blogs, and many more moments that begin with an unexpected email and end with a grateful heart.

 

Over to You...

Dear fellow BlogChatter bloggers,

What is the very first thing you do after reading that "Top Blog Badge" email?

Do you:

Rush to check your blogroll?

Take a screenshot and share it immediately?

Add the badge to your blog first?

Or simply sit back and enjoy the moment with a big smile?

I'd love to read your answers in the comments. Let's celebrate these little milestones that make our blogging journey so memorable. 

Three Classic Poems That Capture the Magic of Train Travel

   

Few inventions have inspired poets quite like the train. More than a machine, the railway became a symbol of movement, memory, industrial progress, and the changing rhythm of human life. From the gentle countryside rushing past a window to the emotional departures and arrivals that define our journeys, trains have offered poets an unforgettable setting for reflection.

Here are three classic poems that beautifully capture different dimensions of the train-travel experience.

1. From a Railway Carriage by Robert Louis Stevenson (1885)

Perhaps the most beloved train poem in English literature, From a Railway Carriage celebrates the excitement of speed through the eyes of a traveler. Stevenson transforms an ordinary train ride into an exhilarating adventure as landscapes flash by in rapid succession.

The poem opens with the famous lines:

"Faster than fairies, faster than witches,
Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches..."

Children, animals, rivers, villages, and fields appear almost like scenes in a moving picture before disappearing into the distance. The rhythmic verse mimics the steady beat of train wheels, allowing readers to experience the thrill of motion.

Why it stands out:

Vivid imagery of the countryside.

Musical rhythm that echoes the movement of a train.

A joyful celebration of travel and discovery.

 

2. Night Mail by W. H. Auden (1936)

Commissioned for a documentary film, Night Mail is one of the finest poetic tributes to the railway. Auden follows the overnight mail train as it carries letters across Britain, connecting cities, villages, families, and strangers.

Rather than focusing only on scenery, the poem celebrates the railway as the lifeline of a nation. The changing rhythm of the poem mirrors the train's pace—slow while climbing hills and energetic as it races across the countryside.

Auden reminds us that every train carries not just passengers or parcels, but countless human stories.

Why it stands out:

Brilliant synchronization between poetic rhythm and train movement.

A tribute to railway workers and everyday life.

Highlights the social importance of rail travel.

 

3. Adlestrop by Edward Thomas (1914)

Unlike Stevenson's excitement or Auden's energy, Edward Thomas offers a quieter experience of train travel. Adlestrop recalls a brief, unexpected stop at a small railway station in rural England.

Nothing dramatic happens. The train pauses, no one gets on or off, and silence settles over the landscape. Yet that ordinary moment becomes unforgettable because of the birdsong, the stillness, and the peaceful countryside.

The poem reveals how even the shortest pause during a journey can become a lifelong memory.

Why it stands out:

A meditation on stillness during travel.

Rich evocation of nature and memory.

Demonstrates how travel often changes us through quiet observation rather than grand events.

 

Why Train Poems Continue to Inspire Readers

Train journeys occupy a unique place in literature because they combine movement with contemplation. A traveler watches the world unfold from a window while remaining suspended between departure and destination. This in-between space allows poets to explore themes of change, memory, anticipation, and the passage of time.

Stevenson captures the exhilaration of speed. Auden celebrates connection and purpose. Thomas discovers beauty in a fleeting pause. Together, these poems remind us that every railway journey offers more than transportation—it offers a new way of seeing the world.

Whether you're reading beside a window seat or remembering a journey from years ago, these classics continue to make us hear the rhythmic clatter of wheels, watch landscapes unfold, and appreciate the timeless romance of train travel.

Final Thoughts

The railway has always been more than steel tracks and engines; it is a pathway to stories, emotions, and unforgettable moments. These three classic poems—From a Railway Carriage, Night Mail, and Adlestrop—each reveal a different face of train travel: excitement, connection, and quiet reflection.

The next time you board a train, pause for a moment. Look out of the window, listen to the rhythm of the wheels, and remember that countless poets have found inspiration in the very same journey.

Chikmagalur Coffee: The Legacy Behind BRU Southern Trails Instant Coffee

    

 

Chikmagalur and Its Coffee Delights: Discovering the Legacy Behind BRU Southern Trails

There is something magical about the aroma of coffee. It awakens not only the senses but also memories of mist-covered hills, cool mornings, and conversations shared over a steaming cup. For coffee lovers in India, Chikmagalur in Karnataka is much more than a travel destination—it is the birthplace of Indian coffee.

Today, this rich coffee heritage continues to inspire products that celebrate regional flavours. One such addition is BRU Southern Trails, an instant coffee that draws inspiration from the renowned coffee-growing regions of South India.

The Birthplace of Indian Coffee

Nestled amidst the majestic Western Ghats, Chikmagalur is blessed with rolling hills, pleasant temperatures, abundant rainfall, and fertile red soil. These natural advantages create an ideal environment for cultivating high-quality coffee.

According to legend, Indian coffee began here in the 17th century when the Sufi saint Baba Budan secretly brought seven coffee beans from Yemen and planted them in the Baba Budangiri Hills. From those humble beginnings grew an industry that now places India among the world's notable coffee-producing nations.

A Landscape Made for Coffee

Walking through a Chikmagalur coffee estate is an experience unlike any other.

Tall silver oak trees provide natural shade, pepper vines climb gracefully around tree trunks, cardamom grows beneath the canopy, and birds fill the air with music. The estates are living ecosystems where biodiversity and agriculture coexist beautifully.

The cool climate allows coffee cherries to mature slowly, helping develop deeper flavours and richer aromas.

Many estates also cultivate spices alongside coffee, adding another layer of fragrance to the surroundings.

The Coffee Estates

The estates of Chikmagalur range from small family-owned plantations to sprawling estates spread across hundreds of acres.

Coffee cultivation follows a careful annual cycle:

Blossoming after the first summer showers

Formation of green coffee cherries

Ripening into bright crimson fruits

Careful hand-picking by skilled workers

Processing through washed or natural methods

Sun-drying and curing before roasting

Much of the harvesting is done manually to ensure that only perfectly ripe cherries are selected. This careful attention contributes significantly to the quality of the final coffee.

Arabica and Robusta – Two Stars of Indian Coffee

Chikmagalur is known for producing both Arabica and Robusta varieties.

Arabica

Mild and smooth

Floral aroma

Pleasant acidity

Fruity and chocolate-like notes

Preferred for premium specialty coffees

Robusta

Strong body

Bold flavour

Higher caffeine content

Rich crema for espresso

Excellent for traditional South Indian coffee blends

Many popular Indian coffee brands combine these two varieties to achieve the perfect balance of aroma, strength, and taste.

Why Chikmagalur Coffee is Highly Regarded

Several factors contribute to its excellent reputation:

High-altitude cultivation

Shade-grown farming practices

Rich biodiversity

Careful hand harvesting

Traditional processing methods

Balanced rainfall and moderate temperatures

These conditions allow the beans to develop complex flavours appreciated by coffee enthusiasts around the world.

Coffee Beyond the Bean

Coffee supports thousands of farming families across Karnataka.

The estates generate employment for local communities through planting, harvesting, processing, transportation, roasting, and tourism. Many plantations now welcome visitors for estate walks, coffee tastings, and homestay experiences, allowing travellers to understand the journey from bean to cup.

Coffee tourism has become one of Chikmagalur's biggest attractions.

BRU Southern Trails – Inspired by South India's Coffee Heritage

Building on India's rich coffee traditions, BRU has introduced BRU Southern Trails, an instant coffee inspired by the celebrated coffee-growing regions of South India.

The name itself evokes images of misty plantations, winding estate roads, and generations of skilled coffee growers whose dedication has shaped the country's coffee culture.

While instant coffee offers convenience for today's busy lifestyle, products inspired by regional coffee traditions seek to capture the familiar aroma and flavour associated with South Indian coffee.

Whether enjoyed as a quick morning beverage or during an evening break, BRU Southern Trails aims to bring a touch of this heritage into everyday life.

Brewing Moments, Creating Memories

For many Indian families, coffee is more than a drink.

It accompanies newspaper reading, early morning prayers, family conversations, office breaks, and reunions with friends. Every cup has the power to slow us down for a few peaceful minutes.

Knowing that this simple beverage has its roots in the mist-covered hills of Chikmagalur makes every sip even more meaningful.

Final Thoughts

From the legendary Baba Budangiri Hills to the lush plantations spread across the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur continues to define the excellence of Indian coffee. Its fertile land, favourable climate, skilled farmers, and generations of expertise have created a legacy admired across the world.

With launches like BRU Southern Trails, this heritage finds a new expression—bringing the spirit of South India's celebrated coffee landscapes into homes through the convenience of instant coffee.

The next time you prepare a cup, pause for a moment and imagine the journey—from crimson coffee cherries ripening under shaded trees in Chikmagalur to the comforting aroma rising from your mug. Every sip carries a story of nature, tradition, and craftsmanship.

You can buy the product here in Amazon