BENGALURU, Feb 2 — When India’s comic book series Amar Chitra Katha was launched in 1967, its mission was simple: introduce children to the country’s vast universe of Hindu...
India’s oldest and indigenous comic book publisher Amar Chitra Katha , launched in 1967 to introduce children to the country's vast universe of Hindu gods, legends and history, has gone digital. — AFP picand enjoy FREE RM10 & when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with min.
cash of RM100 today! T&Cs apply.BENGALURU, Feb 2 — When India’s comic book series Amar Chitra Katha was launched in 1967, its mission was simple: introduce children to the country’s vast universe of Hindu gods, legends and history. Nearly six decades later, the comic, known simply as ACK and meaning “immortal illustrated stories”, is still holding its ground in an era ruled by smartphones and streaming television. Founded by storyteller Anant Pai after he noticed children on a quiz show knew more about Greek gods than their own mythological heroes, ACK quickly became a cultural touchstone. Its titles, from tales of Hindu deities to biographies of freedom fighters, sold in the millions and were translated into multiple regional languages.The arrival of the Cartoon Network in India and a blockbuster television adaptation of the Hindu epic “Mahabharata” dented sales.Still, the publisher marches on – powered not just by nostalgic adults, but by their children too. “The largest number of readers for Amar Chitra Katha are between 25 and 45,” executive editor Reena I. Puri told AFP. “They are the ones who’ve been brought up with Amar Chitra Katha... and give it to their children to read.” ACK fan Aarav Vedhanayagam said his favourite was about an air force pilot who won India’s highest military medal.‘Really develop’ Production depends on the same painstaking research, writing and colouring, although some images of deities have evolved. “We used to have a very slender Ram, a very slender Shiva, drawn lovingly by artists who drew by hand,” said Puri, 68, who has been with ACK for 34 years.Graphic designers of India’s oldest and indigenous comic book publisher Amar Chitra Katha, illustrate on laptops at their office in Bengaluru. — AFP pic“Children today are not used to that old kind of art,” Puri said. “We have to adapt to what the children want.”“If, earlier, we used to show the man sitting with a newspaper, and the woman sweeping the floor or cooking food, that’s changed,” she added.The Covid-19 pandemic forced ACK to confront the digital age head-on, making its app free for a month, sparking a surge in readers.‘Art is to be respected’“Art is to be respected, a writer’s work is to be respected”, Puri said. Comic designer Srinath Malolan, 24, who grew up reading ACK in his school library, said the human-made process ensures content remains safe for children. “The internet can create whatever it wants... we have meticulously looked at what we are giving the kids,” Malolan said.“The focus for us is our founder’s vision... to tell the stories of India to the children of India,” she said. “It’s always going to be relevant.” — AFP
Anant Pai Hindu Gods Indian Mythology Digital Transformation Artificial Intelligence Resistance
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Catherine O'Hara, 'Schitt's Creek' Star and Comic Icon, Dies at 71Catherine O'Hara, the beloved Canadian actress known for her roles in 'Schitt's Creek,' 'Home Alone,' and 'SCTV,' has died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.
Read more »
Kuala Lumpur Prioritizes Green Spaces and Smart City Development Under Federal Territories MinisterFederal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh outlines a strategy for Kuala Lumpur that prioritizes green space preservation, climate resilience, and smart city development. The government aims to balance urban growth with environmental protection and ensure inclusivity for all residents, with a focus on sustainable urban planning and improved access to public services and information.
Read more »
Mayat lelaki ditemukan dalam rumah berkunciLelaki berusia lingkungan 60 tahun itu dijumpai dalam keadaan tidak sedarkan diri di ruang dapur.
Read more »
Conte Frustrated as Injury-Hit Napoli Scrape Serie A WinNapoli manager Antonio Conte expresses frustration over his injury-ridden squad's struggles to secure a Serie A victory against Fiorentina, highlighting the relentless match schedule as a major concern and warning about the detrimental impact on player well-being. He also criticizes the financial strain of competing in multiple tournaments.
Read more »
Minister to Address Infrastructure Needs at IPG Tawau CampusThe Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk James Ratib, will seek funding to address security, learning facilities, and infrastructure concerns at the IPG Tawau Campus, including perimeter fence maintenance, smart boards, and improved internet and transportation.
Read more »
Soccer-Inter Milan extend Serie A lead after 2-0 win at CremoneseFeb 1 (Reuters) - Elon Musk's social media platform X was down for thousands of users in the United States on Sunday, according to Downdetector.com.
Read more »