Miniature gold fountain pens made by K.V. Ramana Murthy of Ratnam Ball Pen Works have secured a place in the India Book of Records. Mr. Ramana Murthy is now seeking to gain, for his diminutive but efficient writing tool that he describes as the world’s smallest fountain pen, an even more special status. He aspires to secure a place for the pen in the Guinness Book of World Records.
On Tuesday, representatives of India Book of Records handed over a certificate, memento and badge in recognition of his work.
The miniature gold pen is made of ebonite (hard rubber made by prolonged vulcanisation which resembles ebony). It is 3.5 cm long and weighs 1.7 gm, with a 14-carat gold nib with a pen point, a clip and ring band.
In business since 1932, the pen company has gained popularity in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and other parts of the country and the world. A small, traditional house in Kotagummam street serves as the workshop
Speaking on the occasion, India Book of Records adjudicator Chintapatla Venkata Chary , said the organisation stood, after Guinness Book of World Records and Limca Book of Records, as authentic record-book-keepers and publishers of annual records books.
Tummidi Ram Kumar, a businessman and philanthropist, said it was a matter of pride that Rajahmundry had produced great luminaries such as Mr. Murthy, who brought laurels to it.
Mr. Murthy said he would make some more pens to set the Guinness Record with the help of his sons. He recalled that The Hindu had published an article on him 2005 which had given him recognition all over the South. Gopi and Durga Prasad, sons of Mr. Murthy, were present.
