Tag: Indian storytelling

Events in Goa

Transcend Goa 2026: India’s First Transmedia Conclave to Debut in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa is set to witness a landmark moment for India’s creative industries with the launch of Transcend Goa 2026, the country’s first-ever Transmedia Conclave. Organised by the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) and Goa Future Proof, with support from the Government of Goa, the pilot edition will be held on January 15 and 16, 2026, at the historic Marquinez Palace in Panjim.

Envisioned as a future-facing platform by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Transcend Goa 2026 aims to bring together leading creative minds from cinema, publishing, gaming, and artificial intelligence to explore how storytelling can evolve beyond a single medium. The conclave seeks to spark conversations around building Indian-origin transmedia intellectual properties and taking cinema beyond the screen into immersive, multi-platform experiences.

At its core, the conclave is designed to converge stakeholders across industries and spotlight case studies that demonstrate how Indian content can successfully transition across formats — from books and films to games, digital worlds, and emerging technologies. The initiative also places a strong focus on championing homegrown content and enabling Indian stories to reach global audiences through collaboration and innovation.

The two-day conclave will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, and in-depth case studies led by an influential lineup of speakers. These include Sajan Raj Kurup, Chairman of Creativeland Asia Group; producer Monisha Advani; filmmakers Raja Krishna Menon, Om Raut, and Q; along with industry veterans Afsar Zaidi and Caleb Franklin. Special presentations will also be delivered by Vipul Agrawal, founder of India’s leading AI-driven content company; Vignesh Raja, co-founder of A.R. Rahman’s META project; and renowned transmedia specialist Jean Pierre Magro, among others.

Speaking about the vision behind the conclave, Harish Rao, organiser of Transcend Goa 2026, said that Indian stories have always had the power to transcend cultures. He noted that the conclave aims to create a collaborative platform where creators, technologists, and industry leaders can collectively reimagine how stories are told, experienced, and scaled globally across multiple formats.

With plans to evolve into a larger, more forward-focused platform in the years ahead, Transcend Goa has been crafted to place Goa firmly on the global creative economy map. Registrations for Transcend Goa 2026 are now open.

Books & Literature

Publications Division Launches Chhota Bheem Comic Series to Promote Indian Storytelling

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark initiative to promote Indian narratives and boost content creation, the Publications Division under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting today launched a brand-new Chhota Bheem comic series. The unveiling took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of key stakeholders from the media and animation industries.

The comic series has been developed in collaboration with Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd., creators of the iconic Indian animated series, Chhota Bheem. The launch marks a significant step in India’s cultural content strategy and aligns with the government’s vision to promote indigenous storytelling traditions in children’s literature.

Speaking at the event, Principal Director General, Bhupendra Kainthola, said:

“The stories we tell, especially to our children, should have an Indian connection. In a land like ours where our grandparents told bedside stories with Indian characters, Publications Division cannot but look at those storytelling traditions. The more we talk about them in the mother tongue, the more rooted would be the growth story of our new generation. As Indian stories leave a message of values and courage, they ought to reach all corners.”

Chhota Bheem, the protagonist of the series, is a symbol of strength, integrity, and kindness. Set in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur, the comics follow Bheem and his friends as they navigate exciting adventures filled with life lessons inspired by Indian folklore and values.

Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation, emphasized the government’s role in nurturing India’s animation and creative sectors:

“The Government of India has been actively promoting Indian content creation in animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics through initiatives such as WAVES 2025. With this continued support, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in these sectors.”

The comic series also aligns with the outcomes of the recent WAVES Summit held in Mumbai, where thought leaders highlighted the need for culturally resonant content to strengthen India’s creative economy. As the country rises as a key player in AVGC-XR sectors, such efforts represent the government’s commitment to not only preserving but evolving Indian storytelling for the digital age.

With its universal themes of friendship, teamwork, courage, and moral values, the Chhota Bheem comic series is designed to inspire children while reinforcing a sense of cultural identity. It aims to engage readers across India through relatable characters and storylines rooted in Indian tradition.

This initiative is a celebration of homegrown content, encouraging young readers to discover Indian heroes and values through an entertaining and educational medium.