Italian fine paper manufacturer Cordenons has pulled off many an interesting job over the years. For its most creative job yet, and to tie in with Sona Papers 50th anniversary, the two paper players partnered to produce a unique calendar which looked at the tradition of calligraphy in Indian languages.

Santosh Kshirsagar, the Dean of JJ Institute launched the Aksharaya calendar in front of an audience of 200 of the country’s top designers and printers. Kshirsagar founded Aksharaya 15 years ago. He said, "Sona with its range of papers has showered their love on Indian calligraphers. By supporting this project of restoring Indian language script, they have spread the knowledge about language not only to India but to the whole world. Kshirsagar hoped that Sona will ensure the calendars that will travel to different civilisations."

Paper for the calendar production was donated by Cordenons and the print run was produced by Pragati Offset.

Sanjay Suneja, managing director of Sona Papers welcomed a huge gathering of printers and designers for the launch of the Aksharaya calendar. He spoke of the journey that began fifty years ago in the crowded by lanes of Chawri Bazaar. He informed the gathering, "We have extended our arms to the Middle East and the United States."

Belonging to the Counts Avanzo of Cordenons in 1630, the Italian paper manufacturer became the property of the Galvani family, a well-known local entrepreneur, in 1730. The quotation by the Senate of Doges about the importance of the “Cartera de Cordenon”, the Venetian Republic official paper supplier, is sourced to that period.

Luca Berlen, area manager export at Gruppo Cordenons SPA, said, "Three paper machines produce 2500 product items which are deployed by the biggest brands." He spoke about how Cordenons has invested more than 10 million Euros to produce green and environmentally friendly paper; plus the number of new products which have been launched for the Indian market.

Since, 1984 the paper factory, renovated in its structures, under the direction of Ferruccio Gilberti, and started paper production of high-quality fine paper.

On the occasion at ITC hotel in Parel, a video film which showcased the master #calligraphers at work during the #Aksharaya #Collaborative camp in Bhor was showed.

Achyut Palav, said, "Be it Devnagri or Modi or the English scripts, a constant thirst for knowledge and passion for perfection continues to give a special meaning to my quest in calligraphy."

With this calendar, Sona has begun the journey - but we have a long way to go.