Books have been my friends for more than three decades. They have imparted knowledge, given me solace, tickled my bones and made me laugh till my stomach hurt. Reading is a habit that can never let you down, it stays with you like your shadow.
I started my journey as a reader with a book called ‘Tinkle’. Yes, the very famous Tinkle, which was a part of every child in the 90s. It is nostalgic and brings back fond memories. Tinkle was the travel companion of many, and was one of the most subscribed books in library. Also it was one of the best gift ideas, and plwas so many things. A simple book containing amazing stories, anecdotes and knowledge.
Tinkle’s first issue was released on 14th November 1980. Ananth Pai, was the mastermind behind the publishing of Tinkle comics. During his tenure in Times of India, he was given the task of surveying the market for the reprint of American comics. This made Pai, suggest his boss to start comics based on Indian mythology, which was rejected. But he never let go off the idea. Once while he was visiting Delhi with his wife, he happened to watch a quiz programme on TV, where in he observed that children had more knowledge on Greek mythology than on Indian mythology. That was the day he decided to quit his job and work on creating comics based on Indian mythological and historical figures. Thus began the journey of the famous Amar Chitra Katha comics. The success of these comics was touching the sky, children wanted more, and began demanding for a weekly magazine.
Ananth Pai, also called lovingly as Uncle Pai along with his team started working to fulfil this demand, as they couldn’t disappoint the young minds. They finally came up with the idea of a children’s magazine with stories, games, puzzles and more. But they still couldn’t zero in on the name for the magazine. One such day during the discussion for the name, Subba Rao one of the creators’ received a phone call, to which his answer was, “I will give you a tinkle later in the day.” And voila! Uncle Pai finally found the perfect name for the children’s magazine. TINKLE!
I think, every home in India has had or rather still has at least one copy of Tinkle. Tinkle has now gone digital, and also has an app.