Drawing Inspiration

Comics and cartoons may come under the virulent scanner of critics for spreading violence and adversely affecting one's use of language, but can one say with certitude that they weren't one's first step into the ambiguities of adulthood? In other words, can one deny their overwhelming influence in stirring ones imagination?

We may shun the comic book on the pretext of its perceived non-serious credo but it remains the most simple, enchanting and effective medium to spread a message. That is precisely why the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Contemporary Studies (rgics) is focusing on a new comic book series which will explain the economics of a free market and laissez-faire to the hoi polloi.

Peeling off the academic jargon and rhetoric to present a comprehensible picture of the reforms programme and its all-encompassing benefits is the main agenda. Manmohanomics may be perplexing but an issue-based comic book is certainly the easy way out.

Says institute director and project mastermind Bibek Debroy: "There is a colossal lack of information and the misconceptions stem from ignorance. The comic will try and set the record straight."

Unlike other comic books, this one—a collaboration of sorts between the rgics and Diamond Publications—moves beyond the usual age-specific target group to look at any section of the "educated, English-speaking populace interested in knowing".

And as for Diamond—shortlisted for its proximity to the nerve-centre—it is riding piggyback on its national distribution network to market the product.

Says company managing director Narender Kumar: "We are sending a copy of this comic strip with the normal orders to each of our dealers. More copies will be sent according to their orders."

Such a new concept may eventually sink. Hence, Diamond remains a trifle edgy. The initial print run has been restricted to 10,000—negligible considering the 4 lakh figure of bestseller Chacha Chowdhury—but the company officials are open to reprints. "If it is accepted, the numbers are bound to go up," assures Kumar.

Flashback to the genesis. The initial plan was that of an audio-visual marvel but it turned out to be an expensive proposition. Comics were financially viable but rgics lacked the proper expertise. So they submitted the initial 10 pages of economic argument—which act as the bedrock—which Diamond converted into a script. Subsequently, it was edited, suitably modified and made fit for publication. Needless to add, in constant consultation with rgics.

The institute is also keen to venture into the Indian languages to expand the readership ambit, particularly in the rural areas. But right now Debroy is eagerly awaiting the feedback. "I am not saying this is the best product or that there is no scope for improvement. We are definitely open to constructive critical observations. But rather than sitting on it for long, we thought it was better to test the waters."

The copies have just been released and the popular response is expected to come in by the end of the month. When that's finalised, the entire series will come out in quick succession.

The first one deals with probably the most crucial. complex and tricky issue—power sector reforms. But notwithstanding the tacky illustrations and the occasional verbose script, it is a bold and pioneering effort. Agrees former director-general of ncaer and chairman of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission S.L. Rao: "A great thing which will simplify matters in a friendly way. Such efforts have been very popular in Japan but here the best thing to do will be to test the market before recklessly jumping in." Even India Inc is quite ecstatic and going gung-ho. "The comics speak the language of the common man. Reforms are a dry subject so this way, the message can be effectively reached out far and wide," pointed out a cii official.

Selling reforms is the key priority. And that calls for a multi-pronged strategy. If for the schools the buzz is percolated through debates and lectures with a reforms peg, for industry rgics and cii have drawn a hugely ambitious pan-Indian blueprint. Publications—joint papers and an attractive illustrative book, replete with graphics and text—on the wto are the focus areas.

As Debroy sums it up: "With the comics, we are pushing the general reforms agenda. Now, that may not be palatable to the industry. On the wto front, there is a mutual understanding which makes it easy for a tie-up. We are identifying similar common grounds. Where it lacks, we are prepared to go it alone."