Dear Uncle Pai,
I climbed up the attic when I heard the news a while ago and took out a hard bound book,the thickest of the lot.It is a small compilation of my favourite comic book of childhood,today and forever.You,me and the world know it by the name TINKLE.The box is full of monthly editions of Tinkle,Tinkle Digests,Amar Chitra Katha Books bought through many years and some gifted by a cousin of mine during our summer holidays.It is like an old treasure trunk and I am its lone owner.Nobody else in the house is allowed to touch it.Amma's many attempts to sell the box to the Raddi shop have turned futile in the past,she has given up a long time ago.
What disturbed me was this thing,as I flipped through the pages I felt as though all our people in the book are disappearing into a bitter pensive.Shikari Shambu,Tantri the Mantri,Uncle Anu,Suppandi,Kalia and everyone else looked mum.The epics and fables reminded me again of our rich cultural heritage which I have now for life only because of these books.The hundred colours in the book appeared like a fading rainbow.I heard you are no more,maybe that is why everything seemed so.
Thank you for the many fond memories.I so much want to live those reading days again.While you leave us I have to tell you the ideas that I had while reading these books,some are really crazy.I always thought Shikari Shambu had no eyes because he lost them while finding the man eater.Whenever someone acted like a nitwit I used to tease them calling 'Suppandi'.Many of my science projects were inspired by Uncle Anu,because in him I found a teacher.The tantrums that I threw and the hunger strikes I made only to get a copy of the Tinkle Summer Special are still remembered at home.All the stories of our mythology that I know are from Amar Chitra Katha.These books have shaped my thinking and perspectives for a long time.They are a memorable part of my past.I have imbibed a lot of values from them and for that I will always be grateful to you.May you rest in peace.I will miss you.It is hard to find a story teller like you.Your books,words and lessons will always be with me for life.
Yours affectionately,
Raksha.
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| Tinkle Uncle no little star... |
11 comments:
Loved reading :)
i am a hardcore manga fan :d
i hope we will see the resurgence of indian comic industry soon :)
A lovely post..a perfect tribute to the legendary creator.
Great blog!
Very nice tribute :)
Awesome way of writing.. Even I used to read Tinkle a lot during my childhood.. I remember those days, where I used to get those books for rent of Rs.1 per day..
The same thoughts passed through my mind today morning while reading about Uncle Pai's passing in The Hindu.
I can still remember every story in the big "Takes of Sri Krishna" comic from Amar Chitra Katha. Tinkle's Uncle Anu, Suppandi and Shikari Shambu were my favs, not to mention Kalia the crow!
May his soul rest in peace. He shall always be remembered with awe by generations that have grown up reading Amar Chitra Katha comics.
An apt tribute to the great visionary of time.
A very apt article coming at very apt time with very apt tribute. Nice to read.
@Everyone: Thank you for visiting the blog...R.I.P Uncle Pai....
I still have the Tinkle issues from back in the early 90s. Stopped reading it after around issue number 250 :( But I think the legend will live on continuing to mesmerize kids with one of the most fun ways to learn in many generations to come! Fitting tribute
My favorite mag till date is Tinkle... and of course Amar Chitra Katha... Uncle Anu has helped me score in many MCQs in national level entrances :D My mom still tells people that i never wanted dresses or chocolates or toys as a kid.. only books and tht too Tinkle n ACK and Tinke Digest n Champak :)
Loved your post... :)
@Lakshmi: The story of every Indian kid who is past 20 now:)Haha..thank you for reading:)
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