New Delhi, Aug 8
The Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry's Publications Division on Friday launched the latest 'Chhota Bheem' comic series, reaffirming the Centre's push for home-grown storytelling and culturally rooted content for young readers.
The launch event at the Bharat Mandapam here featured a lively discussion on the creative journey and enduring appeal of 'Chhota Bheem', one of India's most iconic children's characters, celebrated for his adventures in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur.
In his remarks on the occasion, Principal Director General of Publications Division, Bhupendra Kainthola said: "The stories we tell, especially to our children, should have an Indian connection. In a land where grandparents narrated tales steeped in our traditions, we must preserve and promote these storytelling roots. When we speak in our mother tongues, the growth of our new generation becomes deeply grounded. Indian stories carry messages of values and courage, and they deserve to reach every corner of the country."
Developed in collaboration with Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd., the series follows the adventures of Bheem, a brave and kind-hearted boy whose extraordinary strength and moral compass reflect Indian values of friendship, courage, and teamwork, inspired by folklore and cultural heritage.
Green Gold Animation founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka noted that the government has been actively supporting Indian content creation in animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics through initiatives like WAVES 2025.
"With such sustained support, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in creative industries," he said.
The release aligns with the vision emphasised at the recent WAVES Summit in Mumbai, which underscored the need to strengthen India's creative economy with content that resonates domestically while showcasing the country's cultural identity.
With its cross-generational appeal, the series is poised to enrich children's literature while contributing to the larger national goal of encouraging Indian narratives across books, animation, films, and digital platforms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently urged citizens to embrace Swadeshi, defining it as anything crafted with the effort and skill of Indians. Reiterating the 'Vocal for Local' mantra, he called upon the nation to promote 'Make in India' products. This can be applied to home-grown storytelling as well. There is a growing need and momentum for developing more homegrown content in India, especially in areas like media, technology, and culture. This push is driven by factors including the desire to connect with local audiences, address unique cultural nuances, and foster innovation.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the effort, I hope they maintain the quality. Some government-backed content tends to become too preachy. Chhota Bheem works because it's fun first, moral lessons second. Don't ruin a good thing with excessive messaging!
Finally! Our kids need more Indian heroes. Growing up, we only had foreign comics. Now my son can read about characters who look like him and share his culture. Hope they expand to other regional folk tales too - Tenali Raman, Birbal, Panchatantra stories would be amazing!
As an expat mom in Delhi, I'm thrilled about this! My kids are growing up between two cultures, and content like this helps them connect with their Indian roots. The values in these stories - respect for elders, helping community - are universal but presented in an Indian context. Well done!
Good step, but government should focus on improving education infrastructure first. Comics are nice, but what about schools in villages where kids don't even have proper textbooks? Priorities need to be set right.
Chhota Bheem comics remind me of my childhood! 😊 So happy today's kids will get to enjoy them too. The stories teach good values without being boring. Hope they keep the original charm while making it relevant for today's generation.
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