Sushil Koirala's fountain pen serves as a symbol of leadership

A personal reflection recounts the history of a blue Yves Saint Laurent fountain pen that belonged to the late Sushil Koirala, the former Prime Minister of Nepal. The pen was gifted to him by his nephew, who purchased it in Dubai after saving money while studying in Russia.

Beyond its material value, the pen serves as a symbol of leadership philosophy. Koirala associated the color blue with peace and reconciliation, contrasting it with the red of courage and struggle found in the Nepali flag. The narrative suggests that effective leadership requires a balance between the courage to stand for convictions and the patience to negotiate and bring people together.