Indian Sesame Street Slated for August 15 Launch

NEW DELHI, August 8: Galli Galli Sim Sim, the Indian version of Sesame Street, is set to launch on Cartoon Network on August 15,
Indian Independence Day, at 1 p.m.

The show, a co-production of Turner International India,
production outfit Miditech and Sesame Workshop, aims to promote the theory "Seekhne
ka Maasatna Andaaz" or "learning is fun". Geared at kids aged 2
to 6, it will feature animated segments and live-action films, with music,
stories, and art drawn from various elements of Indian culture and regions of
the country, as well as the Muppet characters Googly, Chamki, Aanchoo and
Boombah. Topics covered will include literacy, creative thinking and reasoning,
family and community life, healthy habits, and appreciating cultural plurality.
The 65-episode, half-hour first season will be aired in Hindi, with the usage
of some English words.

Commenting on the launch, Anshuman Misra, the MD of Turner
International India, noted, "Having shaped kids' television in India, with
the launch of the leading kids' channel, Cartoon Network, and subsequently the
successful launch of POGO, we, once again, aim to set a new benchmark in the
industry with Galli Galli Sim Sim. As
the leading kids' entertainment player, we have consciously decided to focus on
educational development as we realize our social responsibility towards shaping
the future of our next generations. The social and emotional development of
children is largely influenced by television today, and there is no doubt, that
this is the best medium to communicate effectively with children."

He continued, "Harnessing the power of television, we
aim to make Galli Galli Sim Sim an
integral part of the lives of young children in India. Our aim is to reach out
to almost every home, extending the reach of the series through the electronic
medium and other multi-media initiatives. We are making a bold run at engaging
millions of young children and we are confident that this unique series will
change the face of kids' education in India."

Daniel Victor, EVP of Sesame Workshop, added, "The
series celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage of India with its uniquely
adapted content, Muppet characters, and a diverse human cast representing the
commonalities and diversities of Indian society.”