Indian comic writer and illustrator Anant Pai (known fondly as Uncle Pai) passed away this week at 81-years-old.
According to the Associated Press, Pai would’ve been presented with a lifetime achievement award at India’s first-ever Comic Con this weekend. The video embedded above features a tribute from a fan.
Uncle Pai began the popular Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) series in 1967 to teach Indian children about their culture and heritage. The series has spawned more than 400 titles and sold more than 100 million comics.
Uncle Pai founded the comic magazine Tinkle in 1980. According to the Indian Express, “it was a magazine not only for the children, but also by them. It was launched by a 12-year-old girl, Elaine D’Lime, who had won a nationwide contest organised by Pai … Pai himself interacted with his young fans by answering their letters, meeting them in their schools and even taking calls from them.”
Many Twitter users have posted mourning comments about Uncle Pai. See below for a few of the tweets made to the amarchitrakatha and tinkle hashtags.
Indian actor Siddharth tweeted: “A tear and a prayer for the demise of the legendary Anant Pai. He is as much a part of my childhood as my education at school. RIP uncle Pai.”
savvypai: “My nephew said if he was Hanuman,he would get Sanjeevani to bring back Uncle Pai.Glad to c impact of ACK on kids continues!”
barngold: “RIP UNCLE PAI, an ardent fan of #tinkle will miss you.”
Vivek: “My childhood uncle whom I never saw but was very fond of – Uncle Pai – is no more; Rest in peace Uncle.”
Aarti Chabria: “Feeling sad and nostalgic.. #RIP Uncle Pai, and thank you for the wonderful stories. Loved #Tinkle and #AmarChitraKatha”
Olivia Jones: “i have no more tissue lol. welp down to the other bathroom i go! i gotta #tinkle!”