AMN
Subhash Dandekar, the founder of iconic stationery brand Camlin died on Monday at the age of 86. He was serving as the chairman emeritus of Kokuyo Camlin after selling the brand to Japanese giant Kokuyo.
The company named Horse Brand was founded in 1931 by DP Dandekar and GP Dandekar. Under Subhash Dandekar, the company was renamed as Camlin and diversified from stationary items to art products.
Dandekar was instrumental in transforming Camlin into a leading name in the production of high-quality painting materials. Under his exceptional leadership, Camlin significantly expanded its product range to include office supplies, professional artist tools, and educational materials such as mathematical instruments, pencils, markers, and inks.
His unwavering commitment to quality and innovation set a new benchmark in the industry, earning the company a sterling reputation. Dandekar’s legacy is marked by his dedication to excellence and his influential role in shaping the industry.
In 1960, under Subash Dandekar, the company expanded and diversified to art materials from just stationery products and was renamed Camlin. In 1988, the company was named Camlin Ltd. In 2011, Kokuyo Co, a leading Japanese stationery maker acquired more than 50% stake in Camlin. The deal enabled entry of Kokuyo products in India and Camlin expanded to other countries.