Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to enter the world of comics in Bengal, with the state govt planning to distribute comic books at all anganwadi centres (AWCs) to introduce children to his life and achievements.Bengal has around 1.19 lakh AWCs with a combined student strength of nearly 69 lakh. According to a senior Nabanna official, the comics will trace Modi’s journey from his tenure as Gujarat chief minister to his terms as Prime Minister, while highlighting India’s economic growth during his leadership. The books will highlight India’s rise from the 11th-largest economy to being on the verge of becoming the world’s third-largest economy.“We feel that the children at the AWCs should also have some knowledge about the PM and his contribution to the development of the country. Textual material in standard book form will not arouse much interest among the students; however, they will easily relate to the comic format,” said the official.The initiative is part of the ‘Seva Sankalp’ campaign, scheduled from Sept 17, Modi’s birthday, to Oct 10. The campaign will focus on the grassroots impact of central govt schemes, with party workers visiting different areas to document how residents have benefited from projects launched during Modi’s tenure.“We have decided that the distribution of comic books among the children at AWCs will take place over three days during the campaign period. The books are currently being printed and will be delivered to us soon, after which we will finalise the distribution dates. The schedule will be announced at the centres in advance so that students are present on those days,” said an official from the state women and child development and social welfare department.Meanwhile, the department has directed all AWCs to light candles at 7pm on Sept 17 under the ‘Ashirwad Ka Diya’ programme to mark Modi’s birthday. An order issued by the department said every AWC would be illuminated at the designated time, with at least one anganwadi worker or helper present at each centre. District project officers and child development project officers have been asked to ensure that no centre remains unattended.Where both workers are not available, officials have been instructed to make arrangements based on local requirements, including seeking assistance from neighbouring centres. The directive also calls for advance coordination, communication and monitoring at the district and project levels to ensure that no AWC is left out of the programme.
