Meena (cartoon)
Meena is a popular TV cartoon series in various languages ​​of South Asia. It was first aired on television in 1993 on Bangladesh Television. Meena cartoons are made in the Bengali language and 29 languages. It is broadcast on state television in seven SAARC countries. Ram Mohan, a famous Indian cartoonist, is the creator of Meena's character. Objective. The cartoon series is produced with the support of UNICEF as part of a program to raise awareness against various social inequalities in South Asian countries and to educate children. Awareness created through Meena cartoons includes stopping child marriages , encouraging the construction and use of hygienic toilets, sending girls to school, giving more importance to education than marriage of young girls, stopping dowry, equal nutrition and opportunities for boys and girls. Meena Day is celebrated on 24 September every year in South Asia, Africa and East Asia. History. From 1991 to 2000, the United Nations declared a decade for South Asian girls. UNICEF is responsible for its expansion. At that time, Bangladesh agreed with the Danish Government to provide financial assistance for the production of animated cartoons in South Asia. "Meena" started its journey in 1990 under the leadership  of Neil McKee and Cole Dodge, UNICEF Bangladesh Communication Department. The name Meena is suggested by Shamsuddin Ahmed considering the people of all the countries in the South Asian region. Ram Mohan from Mumbai, India draws on each character's costume and appearance. The first episode of the Meena cartoon, 'Count Your Chickens", was made at the US animation studio Hanna Barbara in the Philippines. Later on, Meena cartoons were made at Ram Mohan Studios in Mumbai. At present, Meena cartoons are made in Bangladesh. Rachel Carnegie worked as a consultant for UNICEF's Meena project. Nuzhat Shahzadi and Dr.  Mira Aghi of India were involved in the project. Episodes. There are 37 "Meena" episodes. Characters. There has also been the arrival of different characters in different series at different times. Other activities. UNICEF Bangladesh launched the Meena Media Award in 2005 to create awareness among journalists for better reporting on children in the media. In 2012, UNICEF launched a live radio show featuring Meena, Mithu and Raju as presenters. In 2016, on the 70th anniversary of UNICEF, it launched the 'Meena Game'.