The incredible story of indelible ink

Elections in the largest democratic country in the world have begun. We might be bored to death with the acerbic and often immature remarks of our politicians and you might still be wondering – who is the lesser evil amongst all? But one thing which as a citizen you should diligently do is go and vote; do not give up that basic right to elect the candidate of your choice; or else, you do not have a right to criticize.

The blackish blue ink on the finger is a now something marks pride of having fulfilled one’s duty as a true citizen of India. But have you ever wondered - what exactly is this ink which refuses to go until a few weeks?

Well, this ink contains silver nitrate, which stains the nail on exposure to ultraviolet light, leaving a mark that is impossible to wash off and fades as new nail growth occurs. No  chemical, detergent or oil can remove the ink from the finger.

This is manufactured by just one single company in India - Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited (MPVL), which will supply 2.2 million vials (of 10 ml each or 22,000 litres) for the election. A Karnataka Govt company,  this indelible ink has been used in elections since 1962 to avoid fraudulent or multiple voting and other malpractices.

Interestingly, MVPL was set up in 1937 by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the then Maharaja of Mysore. It was then known as Mysore Lac and Paint Works Ltd and the name was changed to the present one in 1989. It feels good to know that this ink is exported to some 28 countries across the world since 1976. Show the finger – after all it’s Made in India!