In a digital world, Indore man finds nostalgia in 570 typewriters from around the globe

In an era where the latest laptops and smartphones are all the rage, Indore resident Rajesh Sharma has found comfort in the nostalgic charm of the typewriter. Over the years, he has amassed a remarkable collection of 570 typewriters.

The 68-year-old, who runs an advertising agency in the city, has turned his home into a makeshift museum, with these machines displayed for all to see. His collection includes typewriters with keyboards in Hindi, other regional languages, and foreign languages like Japanese, Russian, and Arabic.

Speaking to PTI on Tuesday, Sharma said, "I have collected around 570 typewriters from India and abroad over the last 12 years. Many of these machines were salvaged from junkyards, while others were gifted to me by people who learned of my passion for these machines, both in India and overseas. In total, 125 typewriters were gifts."

The sexagenarian shared that his connection to typewriters goes beyond mere fascination—it's personal. His father worked as a typist near the Indore District Court complex, and Sharma grew up listening to the rhythmic tapping of keys. "The oldest typewriter in my collection was made in the US in 1905. My father gave me this machine, which weighs around 25 kg. It holds a special place in my heart because of the memories attached to it," he explained.

Sharma's dream is to expand his collection and display it in a larger space, making sure future generations can appreciate the legacy of the typewriter. He added, "I am also trying to procure typewriters used by some of the most renowned Hindi writers to further enrich my collection."