Fresh out of the Amar Chitra Katha stable is Brainwave, a monthly science magazine for kids that promises to make science entertaining and fun

"We want to make science accessible to kids," says Vinayak Varma, Editor of India's newest kids magazine, Brainwave. "There aren't enough of science content related magazines. The idea of science itself must reach today's kids.



We intend to take an open view of science and translate it into a kid-friendly experience".

Work on this science magazine began for nearly a year, and by the time Vinayak joined the fold, the process was well underway for a December launch.
u00a0
"When we were working on the blueprint, we wanted to introduce the amazing world of science to the reader. We used feedback from all quartersu00a0-- teachers, students, parents. After all, the school parent and teacher will go on to play a crucial role in taking Brainwave further," explains Amiy Roy, Head-Brands, Amar Chitra Katha.

Print vs other media
"Kids magazines are still popular. Just because a new medium arrives on the scene, that doesn't mean that the others will cease to exist. It depends on the quality of the storytelling. Harry Potter and JK Rowling ably demonstrated this and have changed the mindset of the cynic.

Reading hasn't got out of fashion," reasons Vinayak about the immediate challenges that face a new print product in the market. From an insightful cover story on how to turn invisible to other info-packed sections on life sciences, environment, puzzles, comics and science basics, there's something for the science buff or just about any sufficiently curious reader. The magazine is targeted at 8 to 13 year-olds. "We hope it becomes as popular as Tinkle, like a household name," shares Vinayak.

School Connect
"We hope that it will compliment school education," believes Amiy. On the advisory board are several scientists and educators, including Arvind Gupta, Hari Parameswaran, Dr Chandrakant Shukre, Maya Menon, Geeta Narayanan and Balaji Sampath.

What sets Brainwave apart from other kids magazines is its student advisory board. "We use their feedback and they contribute towards the magazine's content," adds Vinayak. "Our goal is to begin a movement that is very constructive and fun." Brainwave, Amar Chitra Katha, Rs 75. Available at leading bookstores and news stands