India’s childhood comic books were more than just pictures on a page. They were the first stories that truly belonged to us. Long before smartphones and streaming, an entire generation of Indian children grew up with Tinkle, Amar Chitra Katha, Chacha Choudhary and Champak tucked under their pillows. Companions, teachers and windows into a world that looked and felt like our own. Decades later, the memory of those colourful pages still stays with us. This is a celebration of the childhood comics that raised a generation and why they still matter today.

It Started With a Simple Idea

In 1967, Anant Pai watched a quiz show on TV. Children on the show could name Greek gods without hesitation. But they could not name the mother of Ram. That moment stayed with him. He wanted Indian children to have stories of their own, rooted in their culture, their history, their land. And so he created Amar Chitra Katha. It would go on to become one of India’s biggest publishing successes.

Amar Chitra Katha made the Ramayana, Mahabharata and stories about freedom fighters come alive in colour and illustrations. Many children learned about these stories for the first time through comics rather than from someone explaining the stories. It was an adventure to see these stories come alive instead of doing homework!

Then Came Tinkle, Which Changed Everything

Anant Pai launched Tinkle in 1980. If Amar Chitra Katha was the schoolteacher, Tinkle was the cool uncle.

Tinkle had lots of comics, jokes, puzzles and stories in its monthly publication. The arrival of Tinkle was always a reason to celebrate, as children would fight over who got it. Parents would find it secretly stashed under their kid’s pillow, while teachers found it stuffed inside of their students’ textbooks.

Tinkle gave India some of its most beloved characters. Many of them are still loved today.

Suppandi: The Helper Who Always Got It Wrong

Suppandi was a housekeeper with a big heart and a very literal mind. When his employer said “water the plants before leaving,” Suppandi watered them and left. When told to “keep an eye on the bag,” he stared at it for hours without moving. Every story followed the same pattern. And somehow, it never got old.

His simplicity, kindness and good intentions made him beloved by many children, thus making Suppandi’s character distinctive from others. While Suppandi’s character was humorous in nature, he was also “a man of good character”. Though he did not demonstrate this trait directly through his actions.

Chacha Chaudhary: The Smartest Man in the Room

Chacha Chaudhary was a character that Pran Kumar Sharma created in 1971. He was depicted as a small old man with a red turban. He possessed no special powers and no weaponry. Yet he had a brain that was potrayed as being faster than a computer.

Sabu, a strong faithful friend, was a little less than seven feet tall and was a ready able companion of Chacha Chaudhary. They worked together solving all types of problems from robbing to scamming. They also solved the difficulties in the neighbourhood they lived in. No problem was too big or too small for them to successfully solve.  Chacha Chaudhary, when telling stories to children, always emphasised some very important facts. Namely, no one needs to be the largest or have the most strength, they only need to think to be successful.

Akbar and Birbal: When Wit Beats Power

When it comes to thinking, absolutely nobody could do it the way Birbal did!

Birbal was the prime minister of Mughal Emperor Akbar. His stories appeared in many comics, most notably in Amar Chitra Katha. The formula was always the same. Akbar would pose an impossible question. Birbal would answer it, calmly, cleverly, with a small grin. Each story was short. But the message was sharp. Intelligence is not about being loud or aggressive. It is about passing, thinking and finding the answer that no one else could see.

Tenali Raman: The Jester Who Always Won

Tenali Raman was wildly imaginative. His style mixed mischief with fun. With quick wit, he could find a way out of almost any trouble. His stories had a distinct South Indian flavour. For many children from that part of the country, he was the first comic book character who truly felt like their own. That mattered more than people realise.

He won all of his battles through skill and the ability to think fast with a good sense of humour. While at times exasperated, the king had great respect for Raman’s skill and ability to create seemingly impossible outcomes.

Vikram and Betal: Stories Inside Stories

Now we’re getting into the ‘magic’ part of the story!

Vikram and Betal is based on an ancient Indian text called Baital Pachisi; this is about the brave King Vikramaditya and how he must carry the spirit of Betal (who is hanging upside down from a tree) on his back through the various adventures they have together. As they go from place to place, Betal will then tell King Vikram a story, and then at the end of the story, Betal will ask King Vikram a riddle. If King Vikram knows the answer but does not speak, he loses; however, if King Vikram answers correctly, then Betal ends up escaping from King Vikram’s back.

Then it all starts again with a new story.

Simple enough, right? However, there is a lot of cleverness within each story and every fable has a lesson to teach underneath it. Furthermore, the riddle at the end forces you to think, both in terms of how you would enjoy the fable and in terms of how understanding the lesson is more important than enjoying the fable. Vikram and Betal taught young children the consequences of wisdom, as well as the need for brave individuals to carefully choose their words before speaking.

Champak: Small Stories, Big Feelings

There were some comics, although certainly not all of the comics, that had to do with deities or royalty; rather, there was another class of comic books, such as Champak, which essentially was a collection of stories featuring anthropomorphised animals like foxes, elephants, lions and rabbits and their journey through school as they made friendships, quarrelled, reconciled and learnt about the value of qualities like honesty, kindness and diligence.

Many children who were younger than five years old discovered Champak as their first comic book and if you remember the joy you felt when you read for the first time something independently after being unable to read for so long, you’ll understand how that experience was one of the many beautiful experiences associated with kids.

While Champak had no apparent ambition to impress people or to produce kids with a need to feel impressed, it did have the underlying goal of empowering children and helping them realise that they had been seen.

Panchatantra: The Oldest Stories, Still Alive

Before there were any comic books, there were the stories of the Panchatantra.

The Panchatantra fables are some of the oldest fables on Earth, with many having been originally written in Sanskrit over two thousand years ago! They are fables about various animals like a clever crow, a foolish lion, a loyal friend and a greedy merchant, to name a few. Each story is short but has a real meaning to it. Many have survived in one form or another until today.

So it was only natural for the Panchatantra stories to transition into comic book form; they are already designed for children, as they are very colourful, very short and very satisfying. Those children who read these comic books were not only being entertained; they were also receiving the wisdom of the generations before them going back two thousand years.

That’s a huge gift!

And Then There Were the Heroes

Not only did India create a system of morals and myths, but it also created a body of work which included the individuals who would become attributes in that collection.

The handfuls of comic book heroes who gave Indian children their own superhero characters are amazing. Nagraj is able to command snakes; Shakti is a fierce fighter; Super Commando Dhruva has no special skills, only discipline and absolute determination to succeed; while Ravanayan tells the story of the Ramayana from the point of view of Ravana, the demon king.

What These Comics Actually Did

Here is the thing. These comics were never just entertainment. hey were the first place many Indian children saw themselves reflected in a story. The first time they met a hero who looked like them, lived where they lived and spoke a language they knew.

They made mythology (ancient religious stories) feel exciting. They made history feel real. They made wisdom feel fun. And they did it all with pictures and simple words and stories that somehow managed to stay with us for decades.

Why We Must Not Forget Them

We live in a world of infinite content. There is always something new to watch, read or scroll through. It is easy to leave the old things behind. But these comics are not just old things. They are relics (precious objects from the past). They are proof of what Indian storytelling is capable of, warmth, wit, depth and a deep love for the people it speaks to.

To forget them would be to forget a part of ourselves.

“India is a diverse country” is the beginning line of every essay written by every schoolgoer in India about India. This diverse country is bound to have an even more dynamic year. The year 2023 brought with it many ups and downs but India and Indians fared through it with strong will and determination. It wasn’t the easiest year, but it wasn’t the worst either. It brought with it some glories and some battle scars. Let’s take a look at India in 2023. 

Launch of NMACC (Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre)

Capturing India’s culture in one centre, NMACC opened its door in 2023 for the first time. It’s often said that India is a diverse country and to truly experience it you must visit every part of it. Still, this cultural centre by Nita Ambani and Mukesh Ambani brings this diverse culture under one roof for the entire world to experience and appreciate. Some may even consider it the Indian equivalent of the Met.

Dior X Chanakya

In 2023, the collaboration between Dior and Chanakya School of Craft thanks to the growing friendship and mutual respect for each other’s work between Dior’s current creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri and Chanakya’s founder Karishma Swali; saw a new era for Indian designs and designers at the global stage. The work of Chanakya School of Craft found a global platform at Dior’s Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2022, and the iconic Dior Pre-Fall 2023 showcase that took place in front of the Gateway of India put a limelight on Indian designs marking India as a fashion capital. This collaboration ensured that India cemented itself as a fashion capital in the global sphere.  

Oscar Wins

The song Naatu Naatu from the film RRR bagged the Best Original Song and The Elephant Whisperers bagged the Best Documentary (Short Subject) at the 95th Academy Awards (Oscar), in 2023. These wins cemented India’s place in the global sphere as a name to be reckoned with in the cinema world, making heads turn even in the West. 

Asian Games Glory

Continuing to ensure that the tricolour flag remains hoisted high along with the rest of the world, our Indian athletes made us proud once again by bagging over 100 medals for India in the Asian Games 2023, making it the first time for India to achieve such a big feat. This feat gave a loud message to the entire world that India is not behind the other countries in any sphere be it fashion or sports.

FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023

By hosting the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup for the second time consecutively in Odisha in 2023, the state has proved its calibre to the entire world by being able to organise an enormous International event all by itself. This shows how India continues to win the world over with its hospitality and its ability to host international events with resounding success.

Same-Sex Marriage Rights

The verdict that the entire country waited for with batted breaths in 2023 was followed up with a huge disappointment as same-sex marriage rights were declined by the Supreme Court of India. But the very fact that this appeal reached the Supreme Court and was debated for days gives some hope to the LGBTQ+ members and allies in India as now at least the topic is brought to the limelight.

G20 Summit

For the first time, India hosted the G20 summit in 2023, which concluded with the adoption of a G20 Leaders’ Declaration. By hosting this international event which was attended by many global leaders, India proved its prowess and ability to organise such a huge event on an international scale in front of the entire world.

Chandrayaan-3

The launch of the highly anticipated Chandrayaan-3 in 2023, helped India reach new heights of success, quite literally! It became the first spacecraft to land near the south pole of the moon and carried a lunar rover named Pragyan and a lunar lander named Vikram. Chandrayaan-3’s launch was a testament to India’s advancement in science and technology which is not far behind from the West.

Indians ASSEMBLE!

By overtaking China and becoming the most populous country in the world with a population surpassing 1.428 billion according to the UN’s World Population Dashboard, India takes pride in its advancement in medical science that allows the growth of such a huge population. 

Thus, this was India in 2023 in a nutshell.

Fashion trends of each era define the culture and the habits of that era. From just a sleeve cut to the type of shoes and makeup they prefer, you could tell a lot about the people in that era. Just like literature fashion serves as a reflection of society. It can be used to make a subtle statement or a loud one. It can be something personal or political. Fashion is a type of historical manuscript of society. And given its rising popularity it’s of extreme importance now than before. Let’s take a look at the fashion trends that defined India in 2023. 

Going Back To The Roots

With modernity taking over every part of the country 2023 saw a return to the roots as people started donning ethnic wears that traditional Indian handloom artists crafted. From pairing traditional Chikankari kurtis with jeans to opting for sarees made with Dabu print, sustainability of both fashion and culture has become the norm. Gone are the days of following the tune of the West as Indians take pride in their handloom culture by modifying it a bit to suit their unique personalities.

Multicoloured Panelled Saree

“What Jhumka?” was the song that made Indians groove like no tomorrow in 2023. But it was the famous multicoloured panelled saree that Alia Bhatt donned in the MV that made heads turn and became truly iconic since “Desi Girl”. Soon enough there was a huge surge in the demand for this saree and not one Indian event went by without a sighting of this fabulous multicoloured-panelled saree.

Organza Sarees

If there was one saree fabric that became a must-have in 2023 it’s the organza sarees. With its beautiful glossy finish and translucent cover, it ensures that it adds just the right finishing touch without overpowering anything but completing a royal look. The best part about these sarees is how beautifully vibrant the print and embroidery look on them.

Quirky Tops & Statement Sleeves For Saree Blouses

Gone are the days of boring blouses. With saree not being a staple in every person’s day-to-day life many have started opting for crop tops and other quirky tops as an alternative to traditional blouses, making a sustainable yet bold fashion statement in 2023. Gone are the days of sleeveless blouses, 2023 highlighted the surge in statement-sleeved blouses. From plain old puff sleeves to bishop sleeves to trumpet sleeves, blouses were no longer the background prop in the fashion runaway, they took centerstage along with the saree.

Pastel Hues

While India prides itself in its bold and vibrant cloured clothing, the majority of 2023 donned a pastel hue courtesy of the ever-popular Bollywood weddings. As celebrities like Kiara Advani to Parineeti Chopra went for muted colours and pastel shades to let their love shine on their big day, the masses surely took note. Hence it led to a surge of pastel weddings. And pastel colours became the most popular choice for major events.

Men Embracing Gender-Fluid Fashion

As influencers like Siddharth Batra, and Ankush Bahuguna and celebrities like Ranveer Singh lead the gender-fluid fashion in India, it’s not unlikely that 2023 saw such a huge surge in men embracing gender-fluid fashion. From floral designs and vibrant hues to fluid silhouettes to wearing makeup, gender-fluid fashion took a huge leap forward by expanding to all spectrum of genders and taking a step towards equality in today’s society.

These fashion trends highlighted what 2023 was all about, i.e., sustainability, equality and embracing tradition at your own pace.

In the ever changing world of music, 2023 emerged as a year that not only paid homage to the classics but also witnessed a resurgence of timeless melodies in the form of remixes and mashups. As the digital world continues to redefine the music industry, artists and producers have found new ways to blend the old and new, creating a symphony that reverberated across the internet. Let us take a pause and rewind to remixes and mashups that took the internet by a storm, breathing new life into familiar tunes and captivating audiences from across the globe.

From the soul-stirring melodies of yesteryears to the foot-tapping beats of contemporary hits, the internet was ablaze with creativity in 2023. Iconic Bollywood songs, once the anthems of their time, were reinvented with a modern twist, capturing the attention and hearts of a new generation.

“Aaja Sanam & Darkside“: A Nostalgic Resurgence

One of the standout mashups of the year was the rejuvenation of “Aaja Sanam,” originally from the 1956 film “Chori Chori”. The revamped version was clubbed with Neoni’s “Darkside” released in 2021. The mashup retained the original’s essence and introduced it to a younger audience, sparking a viral dance trend that spread like wildfire on social media platforms—featuring on bookstagram and the likes. Listen to the remix by clicking here.

Hitting the Right Note: “Pasoori”

The timeless charm of “Pasoori” from Coke Studio found a new lease on life in 2023 with the remix for the film “Satya Prem Ki Katha”. This fusion of contemporary beats not only celebrated the magic of the beats but also showcased the adaptability of the latest tunes in capturing the minds of today’s listeners. Listen to the remix by clicking here.

“What Jhumka”: A Modern Groove

The foot-tapping number “Jhumka Gira Re,” originally from the 1966  film “Mera Saaya”, was reintroduced in 2023 with a modern twist for the film “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani”. The remix not only paid homage to the iconic track but also became a club favourite, proving that a good melody knows no temporal boundaries. From fresher’s competitions in colleges to sangeet performances, “What Jhumka” brought our desi groove back with its twist to the original, which youngsters and adults alike enjoyed. Listen to the remix here.

“Unholy & Apsara Aali”: A Fusion of Language and Culture

The iconic Marathi Song  “Apsara Aali” from “Natarang” (2010) found its way back into the spotlight with a mashup with Sam Smith and Kim Petra’s 2023 song “Unholy”. The fusion of old-school charm and contemporary beats not only redefined the song for a new generation but also became a party anthem, dominating playlists and dance floors alike. Its hypnotic beats and fusion of not only culture but also language took all of the internet by storm, with the mashup not just featuring on dance floors but also social media platforms such as Instagram etc. Listen to the mashup here.

“Mera Piya Ghar Aaya 2.0” : A Comeback from The Yesteryears 

From the 1995’s film “Yaranna” Mera Piya Ghar Aaya has been brought back from the yesteryears for the Zee Music Originals. With the title “Mera Piya Ghar Aaya 2.0”. The remix is groovy and gets you tapping your feet. Just like the original, this too has you grooving to the beats. Given that this remix was more recent, released on the 8th of October 2023, what better way to bid farewell to 2023 than with a remixed twist to an old classic “Mera Piya Ghar Aaya 2.0.” Listen to the remix here.

As we say goodbye to 2023, we will always remember this year as an era where the internet reverberated with the echoes of the past, woven with the fabric of the present and different cultures and languages. The remixes and Mashups that captured our attention served as a testament to the timelessness of music, proving that a well-crafted melody, regardless of its era, can still resonate with so many generations. In this unique blend of old, new, far and near, the music of 2023 will always echo in the digital archives, a vibrant reminder of the power of creative reinterpretation in the ever- evolving world of music.

The Indian Epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana have shaped how people look at Indian culture especially those related to the Hindus. The original stories are quite straightforward, good vs evil and good wins over evil every time. Everything is black and white, but the reality is hardly black and white. This is because reality contains real people and people are always shades of grey never just black or white. Ignored and forgotten let’s take a look at these characters from the epics that tell a completely different story.

Radha by Leena Saldanha

Although not a character in the two Indian epics, Radha played a huge role in Lord Krishna’s life whose entire existence set the wheels of Mahabharata in motion. We know Radha because of Lord Krishna but how much do we truly know her? When have we ever heard her voice? Her thoughts? Her stories? Radha by Leena Saldanha sheds light on this essential person in Lord Krishna’s life. In the form of poems, we hear her words that continue even after Lord Krishna departs from his hometown. A must-read for anyone interested in the life of those close to Sri Krishna.

Yajnaseni by Pratibha Ray

Long before Palance of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni achieved huge success and became a medium for Draupadi’s voice, Yajnaseni: The Story of Draupadi by Pratibha Ray had dedicated more than 400 pages for Yajnaseni to enlighten the world of her struggles. Draupadi or Yajnaseni one of the titular characters of Mahabharata is often rendered silent because of the focus on the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Taking inspiration from both the popular Mahabharata written by Ved Vyasa and the one written by Sarala Dasa, Yajnaseni is a must-read not only for those who wonder about Draupadi but for also those who are curious about how the characters are portrayed in different versions of the Mahabharata.

Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen by Kavita Kané 

The tragic hero of Mahabharata Karna is doomed to always bow down in front of those who may lack archery skills as compared to him just because he belongs to a lower caste. A king born with the fate of a pauper, it is completely understandable why he feels so bitter about everything in his life. But in his bitterness, there was surely someone who provided a bit of sweetness, perhaps his life companion, Uruvi? Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen by Kavita Kané tells the tale of Princess Uruvi who left her life of luxury and followed her heart which led her to Karna. Living as The Outcast’s Queen we get to see a side of the Mahabharata that adds more layers to the character of Karna and gives a voice to the otherwise ignored and silenced character of Uruvi, Karna’s wife. It is a must-read for anyone curious about Karna and his life, especially his wife who saw a different side of him as compared to those seen by others.

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

Vilified and hated for driving the true king of Ayodhya out of his kingdom for 14 years, Kaikeyi is never given a chance to explain her side of the story. Often hidden from the limelight until the time comes when she demands Lord Ram be exiled, she is barely given much space to put forth her narrative. Set in an alternate universe which questions the “what if” Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel doesn’t follow Valmiki’s Ramayana to the T as it needs to give Kaikeyi’s character the space to explore and grow, the novel reminds us that every coin has two sides, and we must look at both before forming any judgements. A captivating tale that is a must-read for anyone who is a fan of the Indian epic Ramayana.

Mandodari: Queen of Lanka by Manini J. Anandani

Fans of Indian mythology are well aware of the character of Ravana, the antagonist to Lord Rama in the Indian epic Ramayana. But how many of us recall Mandodari, the first and favourite wife of Ravana and the Queen of Lanka? Told from Mandodari’s perspective, we get to see the famous epic unfold through her eyes in Mandodari: Queen of Lanka by Manini J. Anandani. Not only do we see a different side of Ramayana, but we also get to see a different side of Ravana, the side that used to dote on Mandodari and its transition to the Ravana that we know today. The book also creates and answers certain mysteries related to the birth of certain characters. It’s a must-read for anyone who is a fan of the Indian epic Ramayana especially Ravana and those close to him.

We hope these books give you a fresh perspective on our pre-existing Indian epics!