Gupshup is a developmentally appropriate gender-transformative reading material for adolescents with an aim to foster and encourage reading as a habit and lifelong passion.

Background Information

Gupshup is an interactive reading periodical for adolescents in the ages of 11-18 years. Each Gupshup periodical is developed in two editions- Senior and Junior. The junior version caters to adolescents between 11-14 years and the senior version to that between 15-18 years.

Gupshup is created at India Country Office in Hindi which is later trans-created in Marathi and Telugu in the respective states.

The Gender Equality Portfolio aims to publish 2 such Gupshup periodicals (junior and senior versions) in 2026. In 2026, the themes for the two Gupshup periodicals have not yet been finalized. We welcome suggestions.

Evolution of Gupshup Themes over the years

Since 2015, the Gupshup series has explored a wide range of themes relevant to young minds and society. Over the last five years, the periodical has evolved to be more rigorously examined through a gender-transformative lens, engaging readers from diverse program geographies and reflecting cultural and gender nuances more effectively.

In 2021, the focus was on adapting to new realities with topics like Studying from Home, Nutrition and Diet, Alternative Ways of Medicine, and The Constitution of India. 2022 brought attention to digital and cultural awareness through Social Media, Science, Child Rights, and Festivals of India. In 2023, the conversations shifted toward practical knowledge and environmental consciousness with Financial Literacy, Conservation of Wildlife & Environment, and Sports Samwad. The year 2024 emphasized identity and personal growth, covering Understanding the LGBTQIA+ Community, Career, and Emotional Wellbeing. Moving into 2025, Gupshup continues to evolve with themes that reflect current global and personal challenges: Let’s Talk Money, Emotions, Friendship and Life Skills, and Climate Change and Justice.

Structure of Gupshup

Each Gupshup periodical consists of two editions: Junior and Senior.
Each edition includes 4 pages (front and back combined).
The page size is 9" x 14" (height x width).
Each page is designed to have strong visual appeal and engaging content.
Typically, the text-to-visual ratio is:

• Junior: 40% text, 60% visual
• Senior: 60% text, 40% visual

Junior and Senior editions cater to different age groups hence the content reflects age-appropriate components.

Style of Illustrations:
Various illustration styles are welcome; however, both editions within a single Gupshup periodical should follow the same illustration style and visual design format.

Common components found in the editions include:

• Narratives (First-person, Retrospective, Episodic)
• Role model stories
• Poems and other literary pieces
• Comic strips
• Reflective games and activities

Key aspects of the editions are:

• Content relevancy
• Age appropriateness
• Gender-transformative content
• Variety of components
• Pedagogical anchors for content reflection

Scope of Work

The consultant(s) will be responsible for end-to-end production of the 2 Gupshup periodicals in 2026. We are expecting to onboard 1 or 2 consultants who will commit delivering of the products in due course.

The end-to-end production of the periodicals will involve:

Step 1: Conceptualization

Step 2: Content Development

Step 3: Proofreading and Quality Assurance

Step 4: Illustrations and Storyboarding

Step 5: Final Layouting, Typesetting and Delivery

HOW TO APPLY  

Proposals are invited from the interested Consultant/agency for the above assignment and the last date for receiving the proposal is 6^th January 2026 at procurement.india@roomtoread.org [do not copy anyone from RtR] 

• Kindly submit two separate emails with following subject lines:  

• EMAIL (1) : GUPSHUP 2026-TECHNICAL PROPOSAL 
• EMAIL (2) : GUPSHUP 2026-FINANCIAL PROPOSAL  
• A technical proposal will outline the way this assignment will be approached.  
• Cite relevant work experience and samples of work- any stories, articles, or previously designed materials specially made for adolescent audiences.  
• The proposal should mention the timeline for completing the deliverables.  
• Detailed CV of all the consultants involved in this project. 
• Detailed financial proposal.  
• Copy of registration certificate, GST, MSME, PAN Card of the organization and owners, etc. 

• The consultant/agency should apply with the following: 

• TECHNICAL PROPOSAL   

• FINANCIAL PROPOSAL  

• Read the ToR thoroughly before applying. 

• Pricing should include the above requirements. 

• Only Shortlisted consultant/agency will be contacted and might be called for a face-to-face interaction with the panel. 

• Any incomplete application or process deviation, the proposals will automatically be rejected.  

Proposal received after the prescribed deadline will not be considered.  

The TDS will be applicable on the consultancy fee.   

 Selected Consultant/agency will be required to sign and abide by the Child Protection policy of Room to Read.   

For queries, please contact: 

Vivek Shrawat at vivek.shrawat@roomtoread.org  

To download the full ToR, click here: Gupshup 2026: Periodicals for Adolescents

Tags Education and Education Technology (edtech)