New Urdu comic book Little Master is meant to help children navigate the coronavirus pandemic, while at the same time learning to extend peace and harmony in interfaith interactions.
The book is being published by Mehrdar Art and Production which is a Karachi based production house that specializes in positive and socially motivated content.
MAP wants to promote positive social activism through a ‘youth-based narrative’. The project is in collaboration with Hum Sub Saath, a community initiative dedicated to building resilience in this time of global crisis.
Written by Inam Hasan, the comic book features stunning illustrations by Umair Najeeb Khan. The story follows Little Ahmed, fondly known as “little master” in his community for his ability to observe his surroundings and learn from them before offering resolutions will be the main character taking readers on his experiential journey.
Fahim Shad, CEO of Mehrdad, who is also a social activist working towards countering sectarian violence and extremism in the country, spoke about the urgent need for raising such a narrative in today’s time.
Within his group of friends descending from areas such as Lyari, Ibrahim Hyderi, Baldia Town and Shirin Jinnah Colony where they are responsible for running a youth network, there was a collective agreement that racism was as infectious as the deadly disease.
“Everyone felt that people aren’t fighting the coronavirus, instead they are fighting with one another,” he said in a conversation with Images.
“Organisations refused to give relief to Hindus and minorities, blaming their castes and religion for the coronavirus.”
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The 6 part series follows 6 stories that cater to each issue separately. The witty and well-though-out names include ‘Virus-Corona’, ‘Afwahein Sunona’ (Don’t listen to rumors), ‘Ghar se Niklona’ (Don’t leave the house), ‘Munafay Kam Rakhona’ (Cut down on profits), ‘Apas Mein Larona’ (Don’t fight amongst one another) and ‘Ehtiyat Karona’ (Practice precaution.)
The just released the first episode on social media, and it really shows the sheer talent behind the project
https://www.facebook.com/Mehrdarartandproduction/posts/4925614967452495
With schools reopening, the message of spreading peace and harmony becomes even more pertinent. Partnering with Ilm-O-Adab Publications, they aim to print 10,000 copies to be distributed among the less privileged neighborhood of all the districts of Karachi.
For children aged 4-16, ‘Little Master’ hopes to teach children about the pandemic, how to navigate through the difficult circumstances brought on by the unprecedented crisis, and how to avoid bullying those around them, going through the same ordeal.
For those who wish to read online, the e-book will be available on the Ilm-O-Adab platform.
Via Images
