Dharamshala — On the grand occasion of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 81st birthday reputed author, photographer and journalist Mr Vijay Kranti released the Hindi version of the comic 'Dalai Lama- The Soldier of Peace' based on the Tibetan Leader's life called – 'Dalai Lama Ki Saahas Gatha', which translates into 'The courageous story of Dalai Lama'.
The comic's contents consist of Tibet's journey from a free country to a seized one. It also wonderfully tells the story of the Dalai Lama's life right from being discovered by the Tibetan Lamas to having to escape the Chinese claws and reaching Indian soil safely in beautiful illustrations painted by Sodhon.
The release of the comic in Hindi after being published in English and Tibetan reminds us of the close-knit Tibetan-Indian relationship. Mr. Kranti was interviewed regarding the comic and the aforementioned. The main intention of the comic is to make the Indian community and neighboring people aware about the reality of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan refugees.
"Indians have a cultural affinity towards Tibet but the ordinary Indian is not aware of the basic situation of Tibet. The Tibetan leadership has failed to bridge the communication gap. When Indians are made aware they will be very sympathetic", Mr Kranti told the Tibet Post International (TPI).
The books comical nature is an asset to telling any story said the author, "communication has so many ways and my motive is to reach out to people with the truth and a comic is a mix of many things making it more effective. It is a colorful package, an art work, a story retold."
Mr Kranti also disclosed what got him so engrossed in supporting the Tibetan cause; he said, "The whole love affair started when I was a professional. In 1972 I got the opportunity to interview His Holiness and observed the young Tibetans discipline and dedication towards their leader and also the Dalai Lama's commitment to his country and his people, I was impressed."
Finally, the author told the TPI, what a happy coincidence it was to have the Hindi version of the comic book, which was a pre-planned publication to coincide with His Holiness the Dalai Lama's birthday.
