MAM
A Legacy of 65 Years, Hindustan Pencils continues its innovation journey
Mumbai: Hindustan Pencils along with their brands Apsara and Nataraj, in the cutthroat stationery industry. With a remarkable 65 year legacy, the brand revels in its relentless groundbreaking innovation. Since its inception in 1958, the company has demonstrated an enduring commitment to providing quality stationery products dominating six and a half decades by enriching lives through unapologetic creativity and unassailable education.
Nataraj and Apsara brands in the stationery industry secured their status through a combination of strategic factors. Foremost is their unwavering commitment to innovation, consistently introducing groundbreaking products that set industry benchmarks. The Apsara Absolute Pencil, with its unmatched strength, and the Apsara Matt Magic Pencil, with its sleek design and vibrant shavings, exemplify this commitment.
Moreover, both brands display a keen understanding of evolving consumer needs. Apsara eco-friendly initiatives, such as the Apsara Soyfun Crayons made from soybean oil, appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. The Apsara Disney Pencil Range establishes an emotional connection with young learners and Disney enthusiasts, broadening the brand appeal. Nataraj, with products like the Nataraj Fluro Pencils and the Nataraj Gelix Gel Pen, caters to a wide audience, including students and professionals, emphasising quality and performance. The Nataraj Left Hand Sharpener reflects inclusivity, addressing the specific needs of left-handed individuals.
In essence Nataraj and Apsara brands can be attributed to their blend of innovation, consumer understanding, eco-conscious initiatives, inclusivity, and strategic partnerships with educational institutions, all of which collectively contribute to their unrivalled position in the stationery industry.
Hindustan Pencils president Pradip Ughade said, “Over the past 65 years, Hindustan Pencils has been an integral part of consumers’ lives. We keep our consumers at the heart of everything we do. Our success and longevity can be attributed to our relentless focus on innovation, superior quality, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. We are immensely proud of our achievements and look forward to many more years of providing the best stationery solutions to our consumers.”
HPPL has seamlessly been able to blend innovation and design with continuous research and development through Natraj and Apsara’s product offerings further enhancing their position in industry.
For more information about Hindustan Pencils and its range of stationery products, visit www.hindustanpencils.com.
Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
