By Kaveesha Fernando
NEW DELHI, India (CWBN)_ Teenage superhero Priya tackles pandemic misinformation in her latest comic book “Priya’s Mask”. The comic is meant for younger audiences than was intended with its previous editions, aiming to inspire children to follow COVID-19 guidelines and to offer them hope. The comic’s website also features a short YouTube video where the message has been provided in cartoon form.
In the cartoon, Priya and her trusted flying tiger Sahas take eight-year-old Meena on a ride across her city, explaining details about the pandemic to her and trying to allay her fears. During the journey, they peer into the hospital where Meena’s mother works as a nurse treating COVID-19 patients and Priya explains to her the importance of essential workers such as her mother. The video ends with Sahas explaining the health and safety guidelines which people must take to beat the novel coronavirus.
Misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic has been a persistent challenge for Indian authorities, some of whom state that because citizens (especially in rural areas) do not follow health and safety guidelines, the pandemic is worsening. Many have hailed the comic as a timely initiative.US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster stated that he was happy to be a part of the initiative. “Proud that the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, through #USInNorthIndia and #RELO, partnered with @rattapallax to help create this short film, Priya’s Mask. This film follows the adventures of @PowerOfPriya, India’s first female superhero, as she battles the spread of COVID-19,” he said in a tweet.
The “Priya” comic book series was inspired by the aftermath of the 2012 gang rape in New Delhi, following which many in India expressed their belief that a cultural shift needed to take place in order to improve society. The comic makers decided to create an Indian “superhero” named Priya, who is a rape survivor, who is able to influence people and enforce change with her superpower – the power of persuasion. UN Women recognised the comic book creators as gender equality champions.
