The Cipla Story – A Legacy of Care: When History Becomes a Story for Everyone

 

Title: The Cipla Story – A Legacy of Care
Author: Archita Mitra
Publisher: Amar Chitra Katha / Tinkle
Occasion: Celebrating 90 years of Cipla – Caring for Life
Format: Comic / Illustrated Non-Fiction

Source of the book: Won in Ambika Gulati's giveaway contest.

A smooth and shiny cover, perfectly coloured illustrations inside, beautiful fonts in an appropriate size, and a presentation that immediately catches the eye — all these came together to give me a fine reading experience with The Cipla Story – A Legacy of Care.

I received this comic book after winning Ambica Gulati’s giveaway contest, and it was a delightful addition to my reading list. Published by Amar Chitra Katha / Tinkle, the book commemorates 90 years of Cipla – Caring for Life. Written by Archita Mitra, it takes readers through the remarkable journey of Cipla and its contribution to India's pharmaceutical story.

A Cover That Invites You to Read

The cover itself makes an immediate impression. It features images of Cipla's founder along with his sons, giving the reader a glimpse into the family and legacy behind the company. The back cover carries an image of Cipla's manufacturing plant in Goa, subtly reminding us that behind the story of a company are people, places, institutions and decades of work.

The book is visually appealing without becoming overwhelming. The illustrations, colours, typography and page design work together beautifully. It is the kind of book that can make you pause even before you begin reading.

When Non-Fiction Reads Like a Family Story

What I particularly appreciated about this book is the craft of turning a non-fiction subject into an engaging, almost homely story.

The narrative moves smoothly from Cipla's early days to its emergence as a pioneer in the pharmaceutical industry. Instead of presenting a dry chronology of dates, milestones and achievements, the story brings in people, families, friendships, ageing, health concerns, medicines and everyday situations.

This makes the history relatable.

A pharmaceutical company can sometimes sound like a distant corporate subject. Here, Cipla gradually becomes something much closer to home — a company whose products and purpose can become part of a family's life.

Kudos to Archita Mitra and the entire creative team for this storytelling approach.

Why a Comic Book for Non-Fiction?

Comics have a fascinating place in popular reading. They have traditionally been associated with children and entertainment, but their visual storytelling has always had the ability to communicate complex subjects quickly and memorably.

This is precisely where the comic-book format works so well for The Cipla Story.

Instead of making young readers feel that they are reading a lesson in business, medicine or industrial history, the book gives them characters, conversations, situations and pictures. Information is woven naturally into the story.

This approach can be particularly effective when introducing children to non-fiction. Visual narratives reduce the feeling of heaviness that sometimes comes with historical or factual material. The combination of illustrations and short passages keeps the reader moving from one page to another, while the information quietly settles in.

And that, I think, is one of the biggest strengths of this book.

The children may think they are reading a comic; in the process, they are learning the story of an important Indian institution.

A Story Bigger Than a Company

The book doesn't restrict itself to the growth of Cipla as a pharmaceutical company. It places that growth against a much larger historical and social background.

World events, the impact of the World Wars, colonial rule, Mahatma Gandhi, India's changing needs, patent laws, international cooperation and the country's efforts towards self-reliance in medicines all find their place in the narrative.

The story also touches upon the development of the inhaler, consumer wellness products and palliative care.

These are substantial subjects, yet they do not feel like a collection of textbook chapters. They become part of the story.

That is no small achievement.

From a Family to a Nation's Health

One of the aspects I found interesting was the way the book brings in the joint-family system, friendships, ageing, healthcare and everyday family concerns.

Health is not an isolated subject. Someone in the family may be growing older, someone may need regular medication, while a sportsperson may depend on an inhaler for his condition, and someone else may be dealing with a long-term health concern.

 Through such familiar situations, the reader begins to understand how a pharmaceutical company can become connected with ordinary people's lives.

The book therefore moves beyond Cipla as a business and makes us look at Cipla as part of society.

India's Journey Towards Self-Reliance

Perhaps one of the strongest impressions the book leaves is the importance of Cipla's contribution to India's pharmaceutical journey.

The story reminds us that building an industry is not merely about establishing factories and selling products. It involves responding to the needs of a country, developing knowledge and technology, navigating laws and regulations, creating solutions and making healthcare more accessible.

The journey from its start-up days to becoming a pioneer in pharmaceuticals is presented as a story of determination and vision.

It also becomes a reminder of the immense effort that went into making India more self-sufficient in an important field.

Celebrating 90 years of such a journey is therefore more than celebrating a corporate milestone. It is also an opportunity to recognise the people, ideas and efforts that contributed to India's development.

A Quietly Powerful Storytelling Style

There is no loudness in the way the story unfolds.

Instead, there is a quiet, commanding quality to the storytelling. The information is presented naturally, allowing readers to discover the significance of the events rather than being repeatedly told how important they are.

This makes the book accessible not only to children but also to adults who may enjoy looking back at the evolution of an Indian institution.

And for children, the comic format makes subjects such as pharmaceutical development, patent laws, healthcare, history and social responsibility far less intimidating.

They can learn without feeling that they are being taught.

A Book That Deserves a Wider Reach

I believe this is where the choice of the comic format becomes particularly successful.

A 90-year journey can contain an enormous amount of information. Presenting all of it through conventional prose might have made the book heavier, particularly for younger readers. By choosing visual storytelling, the author and team have opened the subject to a wider audience.

It is also a wonderful way of introducing children to Indian achievements and institutions.

We often know more about famous international companies and personalities than about the organisations that have played important roles in our own country's development. Books like this can help bridge that gap.

 Final Thoughts:

The Cipla Story – A Legacy of Care is much more than a commemorative book about a pharmaceutical company.

It is a story about family, care, health, history, innovation, responsibility and nation-building.

It takes the reader from the early days of Cipla to its emergence as a pioneer in pharmaceuticals, while showing how world events and India's own historical circumstances shaped its journey.

Most importantly, it succeeds in making a potentially complex subject interesting, approachable and visually engaging.

The smooth flow of the narrative, the attractive illustrations, the carefully chosen font and page design, and the decision to use the comic-book format all contribute to a pleasant reading experience.

For children, it can be an introduction to the history of an important Indian company. For adults, it can be a reminder of how institutions evolve over decades and become woven into the fabric of society.

A commendable effort by Archita Mitra and the team behind the book to turn corporate and pharmaceutical history into an engaging human story.

And perhaps the biggest takeaway for me is this:

Sometimes, the best way to teach history is not to make it feel like history at all — but to make it feel like a story.

Swadeshi Day: How Choosing Indian Products Can Strengthen Our Economy and Communities

    

 

When Is Swadeshi Day Celebrated in India?

Swadeshi Day is observed in India on August 7 every year. The day commemorates the launch of the historic Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which encouraged Indians to boycott foreign goods and support indigenous industries during India’s freedom struggle.

The movement became a powerful symbol of self-reliance, economic independence, and national unity under leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters who promoted Indian-made goods and village industries.

Even today, Swadeshi Day continues to inspire people to support local businesses, artisans, startups, and sustainable Indian products.

 

Swadeshi Day: A Movement Beyond a Celebration

In India, Swadeshi Day is more than a symbolic occasion. It is a reminder of self-reliance, community strength, and conscious living. Rooted in the spirit of India’s freedom movement, the Swadeshi philosophy encourages people to support locally made products, empower Indian businesses, and build an economy that grows from within.

Today, the meaning of Swadeshi has evolved. It is no longer only about rejecting foreign goods — it is about making thoughtful choices that support Indian workers, farmers, artisans, startups, small industries, and sustainable businesses.

Every rupee spent on an Indian-made product has the potential to create employment, preserve traditional crafts, strengthen local supply chains, and contribute to India’s long-term economic resilience.

 

What Does Swadeshi Mean in Today’s India?

The word “Swadeshi” means “of one’s own country.” In modern India, it reflects:

Supporting Indian manufacturers and entrepreneurs

Buying local and handmade products

Encouraging village and cottage industries

Promoting sustainable and eco-friendly goods

Reducing unnecessary dependence on imports

Strengthening local economies and livelihoods

Swadeshi is not about isolation. It is about balanced growth where Indian talent, innovation, and production receive equal opportunity to flourish.

 

 How Can We Personally Contribute on Swadeshi Day?

True celebration begins with individual action. Small daily decisions can create meaningful collective impact.

1. Choose Indian-Made Products

Before purchasing, check whether the product is manufactured in India. Support local brands whenever possible — from clothing and food items to electronics, handicrafts, and household goods.

Even replacing a few imported products with Indian alternatives can make a difference over time.

 

2. Support Small Businesses and Cottage Industries

India’s villages and small towns are home to millions of skilled artisans and family-run industries. Handloom weavers, pottery makers, toy makers, bamboo artisans, and traditional craft workers often struggle against mass-produced industrial products.

Buying from local sellers helps preserve traditional knowledge and creates direct livelihood opportunities.

Popular examples include:

Handloom sarees and fabrics

Terracotta and clay products

Khadi clothing

Handmade soaps and organic products

Bamboo and jute items

Traditional Indian snacks and foods

Supporting these industries keeps India’s cultural heritage alive while promoting economic independence.

 

 The Role of Local Buying in Economic Growth

When we buy locally made products, money circulates within the country instead of flowing outward. This creates a multiplier effect across the economy.

How It Helps India Economically

Job Creation

Local manufacturing and small businesses generate employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas.

Stronger Small Industries

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of India’s economy. Increased consumer support helps these businesses grow and innovate.

Rural Development

Cottage industries often operate in villages. Supporting them reduces migration pressures and strengthens rural economies.

Increased Tax Revenue

Growing businesses contribute taxes that help fund infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public services.

Encouraging Entrepreneurship

A strong “buy local” culture motivates young Indians to start businesses and create new products.

 

Swadeshi and Sustainable Living

One of the strongest modern benefits of Swadeshi is sustainability.

Local products often travel shorter distances, reducing transportation emissions and fuel consumption. Many small-scale Indian industries also use traditional, low-waste production methods.

Eco-Friendly Benefits of Buying Local

Reduced carbon footprint

Less packaging waste

Encouragement of biodegradable products

Preservation of natural and traditional production techniques

Promotion of slow and mindful consumption

Products made from cotton, jute, bamboo, clay, and recycled materials contribute to environmentally responsible living.

Swadeshi, therefore, aligns naturally with sustainability and eco-conscious lifestyles.

 

How Communities Benefit by Supporting Each Other

Swadeshi creates a cycle of mutual upliftment.

When communities support local businesses:

Families gain stable incomes

Skilled artisans continue their craft

Women entrepreneurs receive opportunities

Youth find employment closer to home

Local markets become stronger and more self-sufficient

This creates not just economic growth but also social confidence and community resilience.

 

Practical Ways to Observe Swadeshi Day

Here are meaningful ways individuals and families can celebrate Swadeshi Day:

At Home

Buy locally sourced groceries and essentials

Use handmade or eco-friendly household products

Wear Indian handloom or khadi clothing

In Schools and Colleges

Organize exhibitions of local crafts

Conduct awareness programs on Indian entrepreneurship

Invite local artisans to share their stories

On Social Media

Promote Indian brands and artisans

Share stories of local entrepreneurs

Encourage conscious buying habits

In Businesses

Source materials from Indian suppliers

Collaborate with local vendors

Support ethical and sustainable production

 

Building an आत्मनिर्भर Bharat Through Everyday Choices

The vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) becomes stronger when citizens consciously support Indian innovation, manufacturing, agriculture, and craftsmanship.

Swadeshi is not about temporary trends or one-day campaigns. It is about creating long-term habits that benefit people, communities, and the environment.

Every purchase is a vote for the kind of economy we want to build.

 

Conclusion

Swadeshi Day reminds us that national growth begins with personal responsibility. By choosing Indian products, supporting local industries, and encouraging sustainable living, we contribute to a stronger economy and a more inclusive society.

Small actions — buying from a local artisan, choosing handmade goods, supporting a nearby business, or promoting Indian entrepreneurship — can collectively transform lives.

When Indians support Indians, the entire nation grows together.

Swadeshi is not merely about products. It is about empowerment, sustainability, dignity, and shared progress.

The Smell of Ironing Being Done: Finding Poetry in an Everyday Chore

 

Some poems stop us in our tracks not because they speak about extraordinary events, but because they find extraordinary beauty in the ordinary.

Recently, I came across Dorothy Aldis's delightful poem "Ironing." It begins with the memorable line:

"The smell of ironing being done..."

That single line transported me instantly. It reminded me of freshly washed clothes, crisp cotton, the gentle hiss of a hot iron, and that unmistakable warm fragrance that fills the air when clothes are being pressed. It is a smell that many of us recognize instantly, yet very few of us have ever paused to think about it, let alone write a poem around it.

That is the magic of poetry.

A poet possesses the rare ability to notice what the rest of us overlook. What we consider an everyday household activity becomes, in the poet's hands, a subject worthy of admiration, reflection, and art.

The rest of the poem beautifully compares the fragrance of freshly ironed clothes with flowers and freshly baked cookies, before ending with a charming image of little starched dresses waiting for children to wear them and run out to play. It is a simple poem, yet it captures warmth, comfort, innocence, and the quiet happiness hidden in everyday life.

Living in Chennai, ironing clothes is much more than a domestic chore. It is an occupation that supports countless families.

Every morning, the local ironing person collects neatly folded piles of clothes from homes across the neighbourhood. By evening, the same clothes return, crisp, wrinkle-free, and carefully stacked. Shirts, trousers, sarees, blouses, kurtas, churidars, T-shirts, dhotis—each garment has its own ironing charge. Every item represents a small earning, and together they make up a day's livelihood.

Their work is far from easy.

They stand for hours beside scorching charcoal or electric irons, often in small roadside stalls exposed to Chennai's blazing sun, sudden showers, dust, humidity, and traffic. Their hands move tirelessly from one garment to another, ensuring every crease disappears and every fold sits perfectly. While we enjoy the comfort of wearing freshly pressed clothes, we seldom think about the effort behind them.

Perhaps that is why the opening line of Dorothy Aldis's poem lingered with me.

The smell of ironing is not merely the scent of warm fabric. It carries with it the fragrance of honest labour, discipline, and dignity. It speaks of people who earn their living one carefully pressed garment at a time.

The poet's brilliance lies in transforming something so familiar into something we suddenly notice with fresh eyes. There are no grand mountains, dramatic storms, or mythical heroes. Instead, there is warmth, steam, cotton, patience, and quiet work.

This is one of poetry's greatest strengths. It teaches us to slow down and pay attention. It reminds us that beauty often hides in the routines we perform every day without a second thought.

Reading Dorothy Aldis's Ironing also changes the way we look at the world around us. The next time we hand over a bundle of clothes for ironing or receive them neatly pressed in return, we may not see just a service. We may see craftsmanship, perseverance, and human effort.

That, perhaps, is the finest achievement of a poet—to make us notice what has always been before our eyes.

Who would have imagined that the smell of ironing could become poetry?

Yet, after reading Dorothy Aldis's opening line, I realized that poetry isn't always about discovering new worlds. Sometimes, it is simply about rediscovering the one we already live in.

From Tolerance to Acceptance: The Journey Towards True Inclusion

    

 

From Tolerance to Acceptance: Why Respecting Differences Is Not Enough

"Tolerance keeps the peace. Acceptance builds the bridge."

In today's interconnected world, we often hear phrases like "We should be more tolerant" or "Let's accept everyone as they are." Although these words are frequently used together, they carry very different meanings. Understanding this distinction can transform our relationships, workplaces, schools, and communities.

Tolerance is a good beginning. Acceptance is the destination.

What Is Tolerance?

Tolerance means allowing people to hold different beliefs, opinions, customs, or lifestyles, even when we disagree with them. It is about respecting another person's right to be different without trying to suppress or discriminate against them.

Think of tolerance as saying:

"I don't agree with your choices, but I respect your right to make them."

Tolerance prevents unnecessary conflicts. It allows diverse people to coexist peacefully.

Example 1: The New Neighbour

A family from another state moves into your neighbourhood. They speak a different language and celebrate unfamiliar festivals.

A tolerant neighbour does not object to their customs or make them feel unwelcome. They simply allow them to live as they choose.

This is an important first step toward harmony.

What Is Acceptance?

Acceptance goes one step further.

It means recognizing that differences are a natural and valuable part of society. Instead of merely allowing someone to be different, you genuinely respect and appreciate their uniqueness.

Acceptance says:

"Your differences don't make you less worthy. They make our world richer."

Acceptance creates belonging rather than mere coexistence.

Example 2: Celebrating Together

The same neighbours invite you to a festival you have never experienced before.

Instead of politely declining because it is unfamiliar, you attend, learn about their traditions, enjoy their food, and wish them well.

You haven't changed your own beliefs. You have simply chosen to understand theirs.

That is acceptance.

Tolerance vs. Acceptance in Everyday Life

In Schools

Imagine a child with a learning disability.

Tolerance means classmates don't bully or exclude the child.

Acceptance means they include the child in games, adjust activities when needed, and appreciate the child's strengths.

One avoids harm.

The other creates inclusion.

 

In the Workplace

Every employee has a unique working style.

A tolerant manager allows employees to work differently.

An accepting manager understands those differences, values individual strengths, and creates an environment where everyone can contribute effectively.

The result?

Better teamwork, higher morale, and greater innovation.

 

Within Families

Generational differences often create misunderstandings.

Parents may tolerate their children's career choices.

Acceptance happens when they support those choices even if they would have preferred something different.

Likewise, children can accept that their parents' values were shaped by another era instead of dismissing them as outdated.

Acceptance strengthens relationships.

The Garden Analogy

Imagine walking into a beautiful garden.

Would it be attractive if every flower were a rose?

Probably not.

The beauty lies in the diversity—roses, jasmine, marigolds, lilies, orchids, and countless other flowers blooming together.

Human society is much the same.

Tolerance allows every flower to grow.

Acceptance admires every flower for its unique beauty.

Why Acceptance Matters More Today

We live in an age where people interact across cultures, languages, religions, professions, and generations every day.

Social media connects us instantly with people from different backgrounds. Workplaces are increasingly diverse. Schools bring together children from varied cultures and abilities.

Simply tolerating these differences is no longer enough.

Acceptance encourages curiosity instead of judgment.

It replaces stereotypes with understanding.

It helps us learn from one another instead of fearing what is unfamiliar.

Acceptance Does Not Mean Agreement

This is an important distinction.

Accepting someone does not mean agreeing with every opinion they hold.

You can disagree respectfully while still recognizing another person's dignity and right to be heard.

Acceptance is about respecting people, not necessarily endorsing every idea.

A Lesson from Indian Culture

India offers a remarkable example of diversity.

Different languages, cuisines, festivals, clothing styles, and traditions flourish across the country.

When we visit another state and enjoy its local food, appreciate its customs, or greet people in their language, we are practising acceptance rather than mere tolerance.

Our diversity has always been one of our greatest strengths.

Moving from Tolerance to Acceptance

Here are a few simple ways we can make that shift:

Listen before judging.

Ask questions with genuine curiosity.

Learn about cultures different from your own.

Include people rather than merely allowing them to participate.

Respect differences without expecting everyone to become like you.

Appreciate that every individual brings a unique perspective.

Small actions often create lasting change.

Final Thoughts

Tolerance keeps conflicts at bay, but acceptance builds lasting relationships.

A society built only on tolerance may remain peaceful.

A society built on acceptance becomes compassionate, inclusive, and vibrant.

The next time you meet someone whose beliefs, language, culture, or lifestyle differs from yours, ask yourself:

Am I simply tolerating this difference, or am I choosing to understand and value it?

That single question can make all the difference.

Reading How I Write: My Kindergarten Journey into the World of Writers

   

 

Some books are read. Some books are experienced. And then there are books that quietly transform the way we look at reading itself.

How I Write, edited by Sonia Faleiro, belongs to the third category for me.

This is not a book review. It is simply my reading journey—how I approached the book, how it challenged me, and how it changed the way I think about reading.

The book was a New Year 2026 gift from my father. I began reading it in January with great enthusiasm and finally completed it on 3rd August 2026. It took me over seven months—not because the book was difficult in the usual sense, but because life happened. Other books demanded attention, daily responsibilities came in between, and there were several long and short breaks. Yet, I never abandoned it. I always knew I would return and complete it.

My First Reaction

Before receiving the book, I had heard about its title and knew a little about its contents. But when I finally held it in my hands, I had an amusing flashback.

It reminded me of my college days.

Do you remember looking at your seniors' thick textbooks and wondering, "How can anyone read such a huge book?" We would ask the funniest questions:

"Do we really have to finish this in one year?"

"Won't it become boring?"

"How do people even remember all this?"

Standing with How I Write in my hands, I had exactly the same feeling.

I laughed at myself.

I realised there was still a child inside me who was intimidated by "serious books." At the same time, I felt a quiet determination grow within me. If I wanted to become a better reader and writer, I needed to grow beyond that fear.

Before Reading the First Page...

Instead of jumping straight into the interviews, I decided to prepare myself.

I made a handwritten list of every contributor in the book.

For each person, I noted:

whether they were the interviewer or interviewee,

their gender,

their nationality,

and the genre they write in or their profession.

I did this with great sincerity.

While making the list, I made another discovery.

I knew only a handful of the names.

Most of the writers were completely new to me.

And that was perfectly alright.

Rather than feeling discouraged, I became curious.

Reading Required Complete Attention

This is not a book you can casually skim through while your mind is elsewhere.

Every interview demands attention.

First, understand the question.

Then, carefully absorb the answer.

Often, a single question opens many doors, encouraging the writer to reveal their habits, struggles, opinions, and creative process.

I found myself admiring not only the writers but also the interviewers.

The interviews are crafted so thoughtfully that one question often unfolds into multiple layers of insight. Framing questions in such a way is an art in itself.

A Completely New Reading Experience

This was my first experience reading an entire book built around interviews and conversations.

Many times, I felt like a kindergarten child.

You know that posture?

Hands folded together, chin resting on them, eyes wide open in wonder.

That was me.

Every few pages, I would pause—not because I was tired, but because I was amazed by the conversation unfolding before me.

Thirty-One Brilliant Minds

The book brings together around 31 people—interviewers and interviewees—each established in their own field.

Some belong to similar literary traditions.

Many are completely different from one another.

Each has their own writing process, philosophy, discipline, and way of looking at the world.

Even after completing the book, I must honestly admit something.

Many of these writers are still new to me.

And I think that is perfectly fine.

Reading this book has not made me an expert.

Instead, it has made me a student.

What Next?

I have already decided that this will not be my only reading of How I Write.

The second reading will be slower.

This time, I won't read with the urge to "finish" the book.

I want to sit with every conversation.

Think about every answer.

Reflect more deeply.

I also have another plan.

As I reread the book, I want to explore the works of the featured writers alongside their interviews.

Reading their books after learning how they think and write will probably help me understand their writing style, themes, and literary voice much better. Their works may become little clues that help me remember each writer more meaningfully.

I Am Still in Kindergarten

If you have already read How I Write, I would genuinely love to hear from you.

Please remember—I still consider myself a kindergarten student in this journey.

So if you have suggestions, reading tips, or ways to approach this remarkable collection more effectively, please share them.

Simple suggestions are most welcome.

Sometimes, the best way to enter a library full of great minds is not by pretending to know everything, but by happily admitting that we have only just begun.

And that is exactly where I am.

Still learning.

Still wondering.

Still reading.

One interview at a time.