For generations of Indian students, the name ‘Camlin’ or ‘Camel’ evokes fond memories of school days filled with colourful art supplies and orange-yellow geometry boxes. Stationary items by this company were not just tools for learning, but were like a status symbol. Even today, we get excited upon seeing a Camel geometry box as with it is attached so many fond memories of school life and growing up.
The head of the Camlin Group, Subhash Dandekar, who played a crucial role in nurturing the brand founded by his family, passed away on July 15 at the age of 81 in Mumbai, reported The Hindu. Under his leadership, the company transformed into the renowned entity it is today.
Camlin, originally founded by Digambar Parashuram Dandekar in 1931, has evolved significantly over the years. After its acquisition by the Japanese company Kokuyo, which holds a 51% stake, it became known as Kokuyo Camlin. Despite the changes, the brand has retained its nostalgic charm. Camlin now operates under two entities, Camlin and Camel, to cater to diverse customers.
In the wake of Dandekar’s passing, social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes. Many have shared their memories of using the iconic Camlin geometry box, recalling how it was a prized possession during school days. Have a look:
Just read the sad news that Subhash Dandekar, the creator of the Camlin box passed away yesterday in Mumbai. It’s uncanny that he breathed his last just when so many of us were feeling nostalgic about his creation, which is an inseparable part of our childhood. May his soul rest… https://t.co/0BChOYnnuW
— Parminder Singh (@parrysingh) July 16, 2024
Getting this as a gift was a motivation for studying. Was such an aspirational item.
— Sandeep Mall (@SandeepMall) July 16, 2024
Yes. And when some of us didn’t have one, we would envy the ones who had.
Woh kaagaz ki kashti woh baarish ka paani ….
— Vivek Prabhudesai (@VivekPrabhudes2) July 16, 2024
A new Camlin set was a pride possession at the beginning of the new class. RIP
— Dr Sumeet Shah (@DrSumeetShah) July 16, 2024
This was indeed status symbol of A division in our school then ?… RIP Dandekar sir !
— Ambarish Vaidya?? (@AmbarishAdv) July 16, 2024
When we were in school, a Camlin Compass Box was priced at Rs. 12 or 14, a pricey possession among us. A student having one was considered rich then.
— Ravikiran Deshmukh (@RavikiranRKD) July 15, 2024
Om Shanti.
As a primary school boy in Mumbai (late 80’s) this was one factory we were taken on visit as part of school picnics & I remember we friends talking, ” ए, ही दांडेकरांची आहे बरं “. We were given a crayon box each at end of tour :). Geometry lost its compass!— Ninad Dharmadhikari (@_ninad) July 15, 2024
Om Shanti?represented an iconic brand. still remember the excitement I had waiting to upgrade from ordinary pencil box to Camlin geometry box in 5th or 6th.. & the thrill when my father & I went & bought my first set.. Won’t forget the orange yellow &black colour scheme ever.
— ViM (Vivek Mohile) (@vivekmohile100) July 16, 2024
the inner child screams again who could see other students carrying the beautifully aligned dream box, and now doesn’t need it…
All it gives is nostalgic memories of how far we have come….
— Vineet Sharma (@Vineet_Sir_) July 16, 2024
This box was my treasure. Seeing the picture brought back so many memories-Adjusting the pencil in the compass and sharpening the pencil point to get the perfect angle. Using the divider to check that the angle was correct.
— Sadhana Gupta (@alpanajg) July 15, 2024
This would be the prized gift one would get on scoring good marks. And GOD forbid if you were to lose this diamond…
— Jaspreet Singh (@jsprt20) July 15, 2024
Indeed. Yesterday I was watching a YT channel that showcases stationery products. He mentioned Doms & Classmate as the chart leading brands nowadays. I was like, “Bhai tune Camel Scholar ka naam suna hai?” Back then, this compass box literally gave a “grown-up” feeling to us.
— Punarv (@beingpunarv) July 14, 2024
Rest in peace, Sir. The man may have passed but his memories shall live on through Camlin!