Twitter
Advertisement

A life in uniform, captured in a series of sketches

The comic-book, one of 12, is the latest in an initiative launched by the CRPF called ‘Veer Gatha’

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Shoorveer Prakash. The name does not ring a bell, none at all, as you pick up the comic-book. Unlike the Amar Chitra Kathas of our childhoods, the cover gives nothing away about what lies within its 40 odd pages.

But as the pages turn, Shoorveer Prakash goes from being just another superhero-type name to a flesh-and-blood hero: Prakash Ranjan Mishra, a seven-time gallantry award winner, including the Shaurya Chakra, and deputy commandant with the Central Reserve Police Force.

The comic-book, one of 12, is the latest in an initiative launched by the CRPF called ‘Veer Gatha’. The idea is to inform its own men about their colleagues’ valour and to carry these stories beyond the barracks to the civilian populace. So far, seven comic-books on the force’s heroes have been released.

“We need to educate our own men before others. The comics will be later published in regional languages as well so that the tales of our men’s heroism reach a larger audience,” K Durga Prasad, outgoing director general, CRPF, told DNA.

Focusing on its bravest, the books narrate the stories of decorated officers: both alive and those who laid down their lives for the nation, engaging the reader with not only the illustrated narrative but also the treatment of the subject.

Thus, reading through Mishra’s story, you know not only about the braveheart but also his childhood and the days that led up to his joining the force, such as the friendly banter with his uncle and aunt, who raised him after he lost his parents early in life.

Stories of the Parliament attack and the bravery shown by CRPF men in killing fidayeens in Ayodhya are also part of the series.

Prasad added that the comics will also be distributed in schools where the soldiers and officers studied.

Similarly, another comic-book tells us about how, as a teenager, Sepoy Bhrigunandan, who was awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously, saved a child from drowning, attracting his mother’s ire in the process.

The books are written in colloquial Hindi, drawing heavily from the regions the soldiers came from. Peppered with words like betwa, halkaan, and poignant portrayals of their lives, the comics also have detailed accounts of the operations initiated by them, complete with portrayals of life in uniform and the camaraderie shared with fellow officers.

Around 20,000 copies of each braveheart comic have already been printed and distributed among the young recruits.

The entire project, including compilation of the content, designing and publishing is being handled by the CRPF personnel. An e-version of the comics is also available on the CRPF website.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement