The lost originals, the found memories: An ode to Amar Chitra Katha

Inside Amar Chitra Katha, lies a comic obsessed kid’s dream. (photo credit: scroll.in)

Meeting Luv-Kush

My own journey didn’t begin with a grand plan or on a natural inclination. Long books and novels scared me; they lacked pictures and felt intimidating, no matter how colourful their covers. Reading was a distant dream until my caregivers encouraged me, and that dream turned into reality with a gift: my very first Amar Chitra Katha, ‘Luv-Kush’.

The vibrant comic yellows, blues, and reds found a permanent refuge in my heart. I began to seek out Amar Chitra Katha in every bookstore I visited. The ritual of being bought one new title every month became a highlight, one of the most enjoyable days I looked forward to.

For six to eight years, Amar Chitra Katha was a constant companion. I was told I would eventually outgrow them, but I never truly did. The titles were short, about twenty to twenty-five pages, and I would often read my monthly acquisition twice or even thrice. The knowledge I gained about mythology didn’t come from TV shows or OTT platforms; it all came from the inked pages of Amar Chitra Katha.

Now, looking back, I realize the true marvel Amar Chitra Katha gave to a growing eight-year-old wasn’t just the colours, the short texts, or how easy they were to finish. It was the feeling, the anticipation, the eagerness, the sheer excitement of receiving a new title for forty rupees and placing it in my bookshelf like a prized possession. Having an Amar Chitra Katha by my bedside was a boost of energy, a catalyst that urged me to explore more books.

Collected 80 titles 

Before I left for college, I had collected over  80 titles. Some still remain with me, their pages hinting at the now-retired ink that was once a child’s treasure and is now an adult’s cherished memory.

So no, maybe the artists at Amar Chitra Katha are right. They have lost the original copies, a tangible piece of their history. But what they haven’t lost are the memories we, as children, crafted along the way. The ability to hold their originals may be gone, but their imprint, their joy, and the innocence they championed remain utterly intact. And hopefully, that legacy will continue to advocate the simple joy of reading, one comic at a time.