Comics as Conservation: Environmental Awareness in Rohan Chakravartys The Great Indian Nature Trail with Chunmun

The study focuses on the use of graphic novels and comic books to successfully communicate environmental issues through an ecologically-based examination of Rohan Chakravarty’s The Great Indian Nature Trail with Chunmun. This comic book is used as a means of linking scientific information about the rapidly increasing number of ecological problems we are facing to the general public's understanding of the subject matter. The study uses qualitative methods and analyses a selection of different comic book panels to identify a range of themes within the graphic novel; including the way in which different perspectives on biodiversity are communicated, how humour can be used to teach us different things, the use of anthropomorphism in literature to create empathy for non-human animals, and different conservation philosophies. The findings of the study reveal how the comic book redefines how we view environmental issues by combining visual narrative with language that is intended to be easily understood, which improves cognitive comprehension and emotional involvement in the subject matter. Using theoretical frameworks provided by Scott McCloud and Lawrence Buell, the study illustrates how sequential art has the potential to create a more active reader experience and increase ecological consciousness. In addition, the use of humour and character development encourages readers to feel empathy for non-human beings while also providing readers with scientifically accurate information. Eco-comics have the potential to be an underutilized and valuable resource to help educate individuals about environmental issues, particularly with respect to sustainable development and conservation awareness in India.