Karadi Tales turns 30: India's iconic children's publisher reflects on its legacy

Karadi Tales, the pioneering Indian children's publisher known for its audio-visual storytelling approach, celebrates its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1996 by C. P. Viswanath and his wife Shobha Viswanath, the Chennai-based company revolutionized children's literature by combining traditional Indian folktales with high-quality illustrations and audio cassettes, later CDs and digital formats. The publisher's signature 'Karadi' bear mascot became a household name. Over three decades, Karadi Tales has published over 100 titles, including the popular 'Karadi Tales' series, 'The Adventures of Tenali Raman', and 'The Elephant and the Dog'. The founders credit the enduring appeal to their focus on oral storytelling traditions and collaboration with renowned artists like Pulak Biswas and Atanu Roy. The anniversary was marked by a special event in Chennai featuring readings, music, and reflections from authors and illustrators. The publisher continues to adapt to digital platforms while maintaining its core mission of nurturing a love for stories in Indian children.