Google India has dedicated today's doodle to Amar Chitra Katha creator Anant Pai on his 82nd birth anniversary. Fondly remembered as Uncle Pai, he was the man who re-invented Indian folktales and mythology for young readers.
While there have been many stories about the motivation behind the launch of Amar Chitra Katha, the most famous version is that Pai was inspired by a TV quiz where contestants were well aware of Greek myths but sadly lacking in the knowledge of their own Indian myths. Pai was immediately taken aback and became the man who introduced the wonderful world of Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle comics to a generation of comic lovers.
Advaita Kala, author of Almost Single, reminisces her days growing up reading Tinkle comics, "I remember submitting short jokes for Tinkle magazines' contests, that was my first literary ambition. Uncle Pai surely had a presence in my life, he gave us a wonderful gift in the form of Amar Chitra Katha - to get in touch with Indian mythology."
Earlier this year, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at India's first ever Comic Convention in New Delhi on February 19-20. But that happiness was short-lived as the man behind it all bid adieu to the world, just a few days later on February 24, after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 81.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier this year, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at India's first ever Comic Convention in New Delhi on February 19-20. But that happiness was short-lived as the man behind it all bid adieu to the world, just a few days later on February 24, after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 81.
{{/usCountry}}Though the man is no more with us, his dream - the Amar Chitra Katha - has moved on from a small company to an empire which sells not just comic books but a range of videos, animation, gaming and Audiobooks formats across the country.