A century of handwriting workshops just the beginning of a revolution: Kulkarni

Prof Deepak Kulkarni, a distinguished figure and former principal of Government Polytechnic, Nagpur, has been at the forefront of a handwriting improvement revolution for the past 22 years. What initially started as workshops primarily for children has now transformed into a remarkable endeavour that caters to students of all age groups. Kulkarni has crafted a scientific module that promises significant improvements in handwriting with just five days of practice. With an impressive track record of successfully organizing 99 workshops over the past two decades, the imminent 100th workshop is poised to unveil new possibilities. In an exclusive interview with TOI, Kulkarni shares invaluable insights into the nuances of good handwriting.
Excerpts...
Q. What was that spark that gave you the idea to improve handwriting?
A. During my school days, my father, the late Shyamkant Kulkarni, a renowned author, used to receive handwritten letters from his friend Shrikrishna Bedekar in Indore. I was captivated by the impeccable beauty of the handwriting in these letters. The precision and elegance were such that one could easily mistake it for printed text. When Mr Bedekar paid us a visit, I eagerly requested him to write something. To my amazement, he wrote with remarkable speed, proving that one could achieve both speed and good penmanship simultaneously. After Mr Bedekar shared the fundamental principles of good handwriting, it became my first inspiration. The second inspiration came from a close friend of mine at Somalwar School, Ramdaspeth, whose handwriting was exceptionally neat and legible. Witnessing his flawless writing motivated me to develop a set of rules for good handwriting.
Q. Could you elaborate on the 14 rules and the module you have developed for handwriting improvement?
A. Handwriting excellence encompasses more than just grasping a pen and scribbling on paper. It begins with the fundamentals, such as maintaining the right posture, sitting erect with feet firmly planted on the floor, ensuring parallel shoulders with the table, and resting the elbow on the desk/table are essential. Proper positioning of light is another crucial aspect. The light source should come from the opposite side of your writing hand. The distance between your eyes and the paper also plays a significant role. It should ideally be a minimum 12 inches. Furthermore, the placement of the notebook or paper on the table is vital, at a 45-degree angle. Holding the pen or pencil at a distance of half to one inch from the nib is important for optimal control. Once these foundational elements are in place, the true task of enhancing one’s handwriting begins. I guide participants on maintaining consistent letter size, proper spacing between words, and utilizing the non-writing hand for support. This comprehensive approach combines various disciplines.
Q. How did you acquire the technical details regarding ideal posture, eye-paper distance, and other aspects?
A. Acquiring the technical details regarding ideal posture, eye-paper distance, and related factors involved a combination of resourcefulness and valuable connections. I was fortunate to have friends who are doctors of repute, including leading ophthalmologists and orthopaedic surgeons. In the pre-Google era, I relied on collecting information from various publications dedicated to handwriting improvement. In recent years, I have kept a close watch on the latest developments in handwriting techniques through online resources, particularly Google. Moreover, during my workshops and camps, I have observed the transformative impact of good handwriting on an individual’s confidence, leading me to seek validation from psychiatrists as well.
Q. Does good handwriting boost one’s confidence?
A. Absolutely. After dedicating over two decades to this field, I am certain of the positive correlation between good handwriting and heightened confidence. Writing itself provides a remarkable psychological relief. We are all familiar with the concept of maintaining personal diaries, and psychotherapists often encourage individuals to express their thoughts through writing.
Q. How can one gain after handwriting improvement?
A. Handwriting improvement is accessible to anyone, regardless of age or occupation. While I admit participants as young as 10 years in my camps, it’s important to note that younger children may require a longer duration to grasp the concepts taught within the five-day module. On the other hand, there is no upper age limit. In fact, the oldest student I had the privilege to teach was 66 years old. Professionals from various fields, including teachers, principals, architects, and doctors, have attended my camps and achieved desirable results. The key is to be willing to unlearn and re-learn certain habits. I encourage participants to write a specific paragraph on the first day of the camp and then rewrite the same paragraph on the sixth day. The visible transformation between these two papers serves as evidence of the progress made.
Q. What are your plans for the upcoming 100th milestone camp?
A. Over the past 22 years, I have consistently organized handwriting camps during the summer season and, at times, during winter holidays as well. To accommodate outstation students, I developed a condensed one-day module in which all five sessions are conducted within a single day. I have successfully conducted such one-day workshops for professionals in cities like Delhi, Bhopal and Surat. But conducting an online camp is difficult because I need to keep a close watch on posture, pen holding, etc. The 99th camp recently took place at NEERI Modern School. I have started getting sponsorship proposals for the much-anticipated 100th camp. We are determined to make it a truly memorable milestone.
Q. Has the significance of handwriting diminished in this age of digital advancement?
A. While digital advancement has undoubtedly transformed various aspects of our lives, the importance of handwriting remains relevant, especially in academic settings where students continue to write their exams by hand. Additionally, the act of writing by hand offers a sense of mental tranquility and personal connection that cannot be replicated by typing. Good handwriting is still considered a valuable virtue. Personally, I continue to uphold the practice of writing letters to my students and relatives by hand, appreciating the unique and personal touch it brings. With my 100 camps marking just the beginning of this journey, I now have ample time for my passion, especially after my retirement. I firmly believe that this is just the beginning, and there are more milestones to be achieved in the realm of handwriting improvement.