The Inception of Champak

The Delhi Press Group has been putting out the well-known biweekly children's magazine Champak in India since 1969. Champak competes with the Tinkle and Chandamama magazine brands from Amar Chitra Katha and Geodesic. It is published twice each month and introduced Champak Plus, a monthly school magazine.

The cover of an edition of Champak | Source: Delhi Press Group

Champak was founded in 1965 by Vishwanath in Delhi. Presently, it is India's best-selling children's magazine. Published in eight languages, and reaching over 6 million children, it has become part of most Indians' childhood memories. The stories are beautifully illustrated to expand children's creativity and imagination, improve reading comprehension, and instil positive self-esteem. Chanda Mama, one of the most popular children's magazines at the time, Parag (Times of India Press), and Nandan were Champak's rivals (Hindustan Times Press). The 1980s saw the introduction of another rival, Tinkle.

Through Champakvan, a unique forest-set story, anthropomorphic characters encourage children to treat others with respect, kindness, and sensitivity. Champak’s jigsaw puzzles help develop cognitive and logical skills, and funny pages bring the humour essential to a child's daily life.

The comic's main motto and jingle are attractive, especially for kids: “If you've been bullied and don't know what to do, meet Cheeku and Meeku, who have been in similar situations. They will help you find ways and tricks to stand up to the bully and make him understand what happens when the tables are turned”.

These characters are often the sole companions of children who spend their time reading and don't have many friends. The exciting world of Champakvan is a fantasy forest built with imagination and sensibility. Champak is evergreen, and 'van' means ‘forest’. Great adventures are around every corner, and a child's inquisitive mind will find plenty of fun. There are plenty of people waiting to take the kids on wild and exciting rides.

Within the world of Champakvan, a powerful lion roars brutally. But fear not. Its roar is worse than its bite, it never bites! Don't worry if you feel the earth moving. A jumbo elephant taking an afternoon walk. Jumpy Monkey hangs from a tree and is always on the move. And over there, Teetu butterflies are playing hide-and-seek, happily dancing on the flowers. A black bear hides behind a large tree.

Nevertheless, it remains one of the favourite magazines of Indian children to this day. Despite modern technology and the advancement of cartoons and graphic content, the magazine continues to be seen in the hands of children boarding trains on long journeys.