Comics on Param Vir Chakra winners launched by Roli

Roli Books has launched first two comics of its Param Vir Chakra series, featuring stories on Major Somnath Sharma - the first recipient of India's highest Indian gallantry award - and Captain Manoj Pandey.

Both soldiers were awarded this medal posthumously.

Sharma received it for his brave fight during the India-Pakistan war of 1947-48 in Kashmir, where as Pandey's heroism is remembered during "Operation Vijay" of Kargil conflict in 1999. He was injured on the shoulders and legs but still went on to attack the enemy.

The stories are written by Major General (retd.) Ian Cardozo, who is also the author of "Param Vir: Our Heroes in Battle", and illustrations are by Rishi Kumar.

The first two comics of the series were launched Thursday at the Oxford Bookstore here.

"What India lacks today is leadership and we hope when our children read these they will understand what these men fought for. They fought for the country and they were not individuals, but a part of a team," Cardozo told IANS.

"Today we are afraid to do the right thing because of the consequences we might face. Both of these men are icons of excellence and sacrifice. These comics are not just for children, but for everyone," he added.

Cardozo said there were many stories of brave soldiers that can be reached out to a larger audience.

"There is no equivalent to this profession in the world. Soldering is an honourable job and we need more young people to join the armed forces. Hope these stories invigorate feelings of courage and love for the country in them," he said.

Cardozo worked along with the illustrator on these comics, where he briefed him about war zone and the weapons they used at that time.

"It took us almost six months to complete one comic. First I got the script and then I prepared story board, followed by rough artwork, till everything was approved by the publishers," Rishi Kumar told IANS.

The other two comics from the series will be launched in January.

The 32-page comic is priced at Rs.99.