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Toons take charge on literacy front

It has fans even before the show has gone on air. Finally making a debut on the small screen this Independence Day, "Galli Galli Sim Sim" hopes to be able to win a battle that the country has been fighting since 1947 -- illiteracy. Using the power of television, the show will repeat the learning made by "Sesame Street" in India.

"As a leading kid's entertainment player, we have consciously decided to focus on educational development as we realise our social responsibility towards shaping the future of our next generation. The social and emotional development of children is largely influenced by television today, and there is no doubt that this is the best medium to communicate effectively with children," said Anshuman Misra, Managing Director of Turner International India Pvt. Ltd.

One of the most publicised television shows for children "Galli Galli Sim Sim", the desi version of "Sesame Street", has heavy weights like Laura Bush, American First Lady, rooting for it. With the moppets Googly, Chamki, Aancho and Boombah coming into the lives of the children, they will be one of the first few series meant for this audience that is totally Indian.

Tackling the big issues of the day, "Galli Galli Sim Sim" will address creative thinking and reasoning, family and community life and appreciating cultural plurality. The first season will have 65 episodes of 30 minutes each aired in Hindi. "It has been a very exciting and enriching experience for all of us at Miditech to produce this series that celebrates the cultural diversity of India. We have ensured that the portrayal of each of the characters and muppets is unique and meaningful as it is designed to create a long lasting impact on the lives of children," said Niret Alva, President of Miditech.

Going beyond just television, the "Galli Galli Sim Sim" will also start a literacy yatra to reach out to more and more children. The yatra will recreate the magic of the show in different cities such as Lucknow, Bhopal and Mumbai distributing educational material to children. -- Mandira Nayar

-- Mandira Nayar

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