Popular Writer of Children’s Literature Anant Pie Expired

Author of several children’s literary pieces Anant Pie popularly known as Uncle Pai  died on 24 February 2011. Pai reintroduced India to young Indians and taught them about their roots and culture in a fun, non-preachy way. Born in the Western Ghats town of Karkala in Karnataka, Pai had always dreamed of being a writer. He once tried and failed to launch a children’s magazine called Manav. He had joined The Times of India’s books division and became instrumental in the launch of Indrajal Comics, which published stories from Lee Falk’s Phantom and Mandrake series and Alex Raymond’s Flash Gordon, and later Indian characters such as Bahadur and Dara. He played a crucial role in the launch of Amar Chitra Katha series which published tales from Indian history and mythology for children.he was also behind the start of the Tinkle magazine. Tinkle, a magazine not only for the children, but also by them was launched by a 12-year-old girl, Elaine D’Lime, who had won a nationwide contest organised by Pai.