Comic Story
Panel 1
A new school year begins with new hope, even in a place the world seems to have forgotten. I believe knowledge can be a lamp in the darkest of places.
Panel 2
This is our window to the world, children! With it, we can travel anywhere without ever leaving our village.
Panel 3
What is that, Anand-ji? It looks like a काला साँप (kaala saanp)... a black snake slithering towards our school.
Panel 4
It is not a snake, just a wire to bring electricity for the computer. It is here to help us, to bring light.
Panel 5
My son will not go to a place haunted by a black serpent. The old ways have kept us safe for a reason.
Panel 6
Your ‘progress’ is a poison, teacher. You must remove this omen before it curses us all.
Panel 7
Perhaps they are right. Maybe I was a fool to think one man could change a mindset carved in stone.
Panel 8
The sky weeps for the village's fear. And in the darkness, a different kind of storm begins to brew.
Panel 9
Teacher, please! My grandson... he burns with fever and we cannot see to help him in this darkness!
Panel 10
He is inside... with the serpent's light. But my grandson needs him.
Panel 11
Let us bring him into the light. The 'snake' will not harm him, I promise.
Panel 12
The fever is breaking. This light... it guided our hands when we needed it most.
Panel 13
We feared what we did not understand. Forgive an old man's blindness, teacher.
Panel 14
Some lessons are not found in books. Sometimes, the serpent you fear is just a shadow, waiting for the light.