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Comics gaining appeal as medium of communication

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Dec 26 � It is a communication tool like no other � simple, accessible and yet immensely effective. Not surprisingly, comics as a medium to convey socially meaningful messages is gaining appeal among both NGOs and activists seeking to trigger positive changes.

In Assam, the efforts to expand its use are being made by a group called New Ways under World Comics India, and a large number of people have already been trained. Recently, the well-known NGO Society for Social Transformation and Environment Protection (SSTEP) took the initiative to train a group of people from Assam and two neighbouring States in the innovative medium.

The participants were introduced to the basic principles of producing comics panel, which included creating a narrative, drawing the sketches, and use of language if and when necessary.

�The intent is to make the trainees aware that the message has to reach out with outmost clarity and precision. This ensures that the issue is brought alive and it makes an impact,� remarked Usha Dewani, a master trainer, who has been imparting training on grassroots comics in Assam as well as in other places.

Dewani would not subscribe to the view that the common person cannot produce meaningful cartoons, saying that with proper training people at the grassroots often create work that is �remarkably successful in identifying local issues and in pointing at intelligent solutions�.

In Assam, those trained in making comics for use at the grassroots have highlighted some perennial problems of the state such as erosion, floods, dearth of healthcare facilities, and poor access to sanitation, among others. Interestingly, some have also focused on specific cases like disaster risk reduction, and child rights. In many instances they have also demonstrated their ability to come up with innovative responses to the challenges they face.

According to Ushanta Das from Morigaon district, getting trained in making comics for use at the village level will enable him to share his thoughts with a cross section of people. �The best thing about grassroots comics is that they can be produced with ease, and often reach out to people by bridging the language divide�, he noted.

Another participant in the SSTEP programme, Deepali Boro of Gorchuk, said that grassroots comics can be used to spread awareness within a short time. Appreciating the initiative, she said, �During the training I have learned new skills, which has added to my confidence,� and added that she can now pass on her knowledge to others so that spread of awareness on select issues can be speeded up.

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