To promote the habit of reading and storytelling among children, the ministry of information and broadcasting’s publication division recently launched a new comic book based on the popular children’s animation series Chhota Bheem.
The comic book, launched at the 29th Delhi Book Fair in New Delhi, aims to promote reading habits among the youth by offering them a familiar character in a new format. At a time when digital content dominates children’s entertainment, the ministry’s initiative seeks to reintroduce young readers to the joy of printed books.
Speaking at the event, Bhupendra Kainthola, principal director general of the Publications Division, said the stories told to children should reflect Indian traditions and values, DD reported.
“The stories we tell, especially to our children, should have an Indian connection. In a land like ours where our grandparents told bedside stories with Indian characters, Publications Division cannot but look at those storytelling traditions. The more we talk about them in the mother tongue, the more rooted would be the growth story of our new generation. As Indian stories leave a message of values and courage, they ought to reach all corners,” Kainthola said.
The comic series has been developed in collaboration with Green Gold Animation, the creators of Chhota Bheem. Set in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur, the series follows the adventures of Bheem—a brave and kind-hearted boy known for his strength and moral values. The character promotes themes of friendship, courage, teamwork, and Indian cultural ethos.
Creator Rajiv Chilaka told Akashvani News the comic book focuses on the evolution of the beloved character.
“The government of India has been actively promoting Indian content creation in animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics through initiatives such as WAVES 2025. With this continued support, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in these sectors,” Chilaka said.
The launch is part of a larger push following the recent WAVES Summit in Mumbai, which called for greater investment in Indian narratives across books, films, animation, and digital platform.
At a time when screens dominate their world, the storytelling art of comic books has found a new life, offering imagination, values, and joy between the pages.
