Sequential Storytelling in India: Pioneers and Flag-bearers #4 - Tinkle
Not many children's publications have the temerity of relying more on comics and cartoons than text-heavy stories, poems, puzzles and whatnot. 'Tinkle' is one such distinguished magazine.
Tinkle is predominantly targeted at school children. Since its inception, the primary language of publication has been English. Therefore it has enjoyed popularity majorly amongst affluent and well-to-do families. It was later syndicated in Hindi and some regional languages in an attempt to reach more readers.
Tinkle was launched by founder-editor Anant Pai. The first issue was released in December 1980 and since then it has been in print without any break.
Rajani Thindiath, who was running the magazine from 2010 to Jan 2021, is particularly noted for introducing diversity and contemporaneity in stories, characters and overall format. Kuriakose Vaisian is the editor-in-chief as of today.
Succes of Tinkle lies in its atypical characters which remain fan favourite to date. Some of them are Suppandi (a slow-witted village simpleton), Shikari Shambhu (a boastful but cowardly hunter), Kalia the Crow (a forest crow that helps fellow animals in need), Anwar (a quick-witted five-year-old boy), Anu Club (a weekly science club for kids run by a physicist) and Mapui Kwalim (a teen superhero girl from Mizoram) etc.
For years, talented writers and artists like Ram Waeerkar, Anant Pai, Subba Rao, Savio Mascarenhas, Margie Sastry, Vasant Halbe, Khyrunnisa A., Luis Fernandes, Abhijeet Kini and many others breathed life into these tales.
The website of Tinkle is always up-to-date with various activities provided for kids. Besides, some of their characters have been adapted to successful animated shows on television and the web alike.
By keeping up with the frequently changing times and tastes, Tinkle aims to go a long way in the entertainment industry.
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