New Delhi, July 30
The names of Indian Army war heroes will soon be on the lips of children across the country. The Indian Army has taken a cue from the Western concept of narrating tales of war heroes to its young ones.

India’s 1.3 million-strong Army - the second largest in the world - intends to hire professionals who will tell wartime stories through illustrated storybooks (comics) and animation - almost on the lines of the 50-year-old still-running concept of “Commando Comics” that started in Scotland and went on to become a global rage in 1970s and 80s.

Comics and animation are just half of the story. Besides, comics, animation and toys for children who are less than 13 years of age, storybooks for young ones between 13 and 18 years of age will be written by professionals.

Unfortunately, a computer game, which could have got the children hooked, is not in the pipeline as it would have needed a huge budget.

“Very little is known about Indian war heroes. Only adults who follow the subject diligently have some knowledge on the subject. Newspapers and magazines do not have time or space for such stories on a day-to-day basis,” said a senior functionary.

At last, it is time for the US GI Joe, who portrays the American soldier, is produced by companies in the US and exported globally, to vacate the space for the Indian braveheart. Toys for boys will be available on the same pattern.

At present, an attempt to produce illustrated storybooks - off and on - is being made by a retired Major General, using his own money, to further the stories of legends like Capt Vikram Batra - battle of Tiger Hill 1999 - or Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan - November 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The Army’s move, unconnected with the retired Major General’s initiative, aims at having a regular magazine - at least an issue a month - and on having a professional company to produce, market and sell these at book stores or through home delivery.

A senior official said, “How many persons know about the epic battle at Zo-jila Pass 1948 or the battle at Asal Uttar 1965 - the biggest tank battle since the World War II - or the battle around Hilli in 1971?”

If the Army’s initiative succeeds, your child, very soon, will definitely answer this question in the positive.