Touching Grass: A Book of Comics

by Ms Rachita Taneja

In Touching Grass , Sanitary Panels goes beyond viral moments to offer a raw and powerful critique of authoritarianism, the great injustices of the world and the many social ills of our times. These resonant and deceptively simple comics and political cartoons are a mirror to the world we live in.

Through her pressing political art, Rachita Taneja, aka Sanitary Panels, explores the myriad of injustices we face today – casteism, Islamophobia, transphobia, economic inequality and climate anxiety, among others. She examines the perpetual paradox of staying informed and being politically active while not being overwhelmed by algorithmic systems designed to overstimulate and exhaust us. Sanitary Panels insists we rise through the fog of doomscrolling, brain rot, and hopelessness towards a world that is more equal, liveable and just.

At its heart, Touching Grass offers something hope. Hope found in community building and solidarity, and in the fierce, unwavering spirit of ordinary people who refuse to give up. This book of comics is a reminder that while the world may be on fire, we are never truly alone.

Genres: Graphic Novels

Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the last few years, I have come to rely on Sanitary Panels for my periodic dose of sanity, and I have always enjoyed her commentary on various issues that concern us. From the rise of authoritarianism, Islamophobia, casteism, the climate crisis, patriarchy, and social and economic disparities. I pre-ordered her book and wasn't disappointed.
The book has some of the most panels from over the years, categorised under four broad themes. 'Doomscrolling' talks about how much time we spend on social media, 'touching grass' is a plea to go offline and to learn, connect and do, 'lock in' invites us to educate ourselves so we can counter the misinformation we are fed, and 'IRL' shows how each of us can do our bit to being about change.
I was particularly impressed by the essays at the end of each section, which when taken together can serve as a blueprint for hope.
This is a book I will keep returning to whenever I need to remind myself that I am not alone.

[Bhargavi.lawbookskettlebells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, as always.

[Ayesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing amazing work. Really thought provoking

[zax · Rating 5 out of 5]

easily digestible, one-sitting book you can give to your 'apolitical' or 'on the fence' friends

[Rajendra Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Touching Grass," Rachita Taneja, known as Sanitary Panels, presents a poignant and incisive collection of comics💥 that delve deep into the pressing issues of our time. This collection of comics and political cartoons is both a mirror and a map: it reflects the stark realities of modern authoritarianism, social injustice, and systemic oppression, while charting a path through the paralyzing noise of the digital age.

           Each comic acts as a mirror reflecting the complex and often painful😢 realities that shape our world🌏 today. Rachita Taneja’s work is marked by a unique ability to distill heavy subjects into accessible political cartoons without sacrificing depth or nuance.

             "Touching Grass" is more than a compilation of comics; it is a vital companion for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the world’s crises. This book is a vital and inspiring read for anyone seeking clarity, courage, and connection in turbulent times🌤💚

[Sanjana Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍀As the title suggests, this book is a collection of satire based political comics that will ground you. But that's not all! It also highlights the contemporary concepts like Brain rot, doomscrolling and other such elements that have quietly crept into and became a part of our daily life. At times, they'll make you quite uncomfortable but, hey, someone has to point out the reality.

🍀 Although my political views differ from that of the author, I have high regards for her work as an artist. She has an outstanding sense of dark humor and her work left a lasting impact on my mind after I finished the book. However, I wish she had made some cartoons on international politics as well, as I would've loved to read more of her works.
🍀 Definitely recommended to all readers and even if you are a non-reader, you'll find this book insightful.

[Tahoora Hashmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing & Thought Provoking at the same time.

This book is not some "light hearted comic" that one reads to distract themselves, its the kind that will force you to be in touch with reality as it reflects the current social political situations around us (mostly related to India). Although one can surely use its humour as a coping mechanism if they need it.

to say the least, this & upcoming generation is cooked for real and need to touch some grass asap... before its too late. or maybe read this book instead if you dont know where to start or how to do that.

[Saumya Singh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hinduphobia at its best. Extremely selective and myopic secularism.

Apparently only hindus are the issue and no other religion creates a hullabaloo.. Everyone else is perfect....
I wonder why Pakistan Or other countries barely have any hindus and other minority religions but India with its Majority evil Hindu population has thriving communities of other religions.

Clearly all the terrorist attacks are done by Hindus 🤷🏼🤷🏼🤷🏼

[samruddhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

my best friend gifted me this book as one of my birthday presents <3
every time we meet, we discuss the geopolitical and economic state of the world so this book fit the topic of discussion.
i also really loved how well-sectioned the book is. took so many pictures of the comic panels to send to my friends and laugh about how not just our country but everyone in the world is screwed rn.
loved the book very much. going to gift a copy to one of my other apolitical friends next.

[Jagruti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Well curated collection of her satirical work and political commentary. One of the things the author does best is calling out hypocrisy and neutrality by the majority. I also liked the way she introduced the concept of 'touching grass' and her call to action and engaging with change- an important message in the midst of all the despair about the world that we may feel.

[Mayuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the best anti-dote to all the systemic propoganda in the country! Brb I'll be gifting this to all the teens I know. Now more than ever, we need the kids to read stuff that helps them distinguish propoganda from real news.

[Sneha Divakaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the sharpest comics in India today. The book has many of her best works, along with blurbs about the bizarreness that prompted them.

[Ushnav Shroff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for the ages!

[Rajlaxmi ~ sentencesiloved · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed