Putting the Fun in Hindu Fundamentalism: Selling Children on the Hindu Nation

On June 5, 2023, Shantanu Gupta’s graphic novel for children Ajay to Yogi Adityanath: Fascinating Story of Grit, Determination and Hard Work was launched across Uttar Pradesh. This statewide launch earned the publication recognition in the Asia Book of Records and the comic continues to be launched across the globe. Influenced by the widely popular Amar Chitra Katha (the Immortal Illustrated Tale) series, Gupta’s book aims to educate Indian youth about Yogi while stressing the Hindutva values to which children should aspire. Employing comic panels, Ajay to Yogi Adityanath emphasizes Yogi’s radical commitment to cow protection and, in particular, the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. My paper examines how Gupta’s graphic novel––marketed to upper-middle-class and middle-class children––attempts to normalize Hindu extremism and, through games and activities printed in the book, sell Hindu fundamentalism to a younger generation.