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🇮🇳 India /Culture & Society

Amar Chitra Katha to Feature Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in New Comic

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified New plan
  • Amar Chitra Katha (ACK), known for its comics on Indian mythology and history, is releasing a new title celebrating Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • The comic, titled 'HAL: The Force Behind the Forces,' chronicles HAL's 86-year journey in shaping India's aviation sector.
  • It highlights HAL's milestones from assembling its first aircraft to developing indigenous fighters and manufacturing key platforms like the MiG-21 and Sukhoi-30.

India's iconic comic book publisher, Amar Chitra Katha (ACK), is set to release a new title that shifts focus from gods and kings to the realm of aviation, celebrating the achievements of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The comic, titled 'HAL: The Force Behind the Forces,' is commissioned by HAL as part of a broader outreach initiative to share its 86-year legacy with a new generation.

Generations of Indians grew up on ACK comics, which still have a cult base. HAL is India’s aviation story, and hopefully it will now reach and guide a new generation of readers.

— Person familiar with the matterA source familiar with the project explains the rationale behind the new comic.

Generations of Indians grew up with ACK comics, which have maintained a dedicated following. This new venture aims to connect HAL, described as "India's aviation story," with young readers, potentially inspiring them with the nation's progress in aerospace. The comic promises to cover HAL's entire historical arc, detailing its pivotal role in the development of Indian aviation.

Key milestones featured in the comic include HAL's initial work assembling the American Harlow PC-5A, the development of India's first indigenous fighter jet, the HF-24 Marut, and the subsequent manufacturing of vital aircraft like the MiG-21 and Sukhoi-30 within India. The cover art itself showcases HAL's modern platforms, such as the Prachand light combat helicopter, HTT-40 trainer, Dhruv advanced light helicopter, and Tejas light combat aircraft.

He (Walchand Hirachand) dared to dream of an aircraft factory in India when we didn’t even have a bicycle factory.

— Mr. RaoThe guide in the comic introduces Walchand Hirachand's ambitious vision.

The narrative also touches upon HAL's founding, highlighting the significant contribution of Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the last Maharaja of Mysore. He provided crucial land and investment for industrialist Walchand Hirachand's vision of establishing an aircraft company at a time when other states declined support. The comic uses a museum tour setting, where a guide named Mr. Rao introduces students to HAL's history, including its collaboration with American businessman William Pawley to set up the factory and train workers.

By the 1960s, India wanted more than licence-built jets. With German designer Kurt Tank and HAL’s team, the HF-24 Marut was designed, India’s very first jet.

— NarratorThe comic describes the development of India's first indigenous jet fighter.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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