Bengaluru: The Indian Institute of Cartoonists (IIC) celebrated a grand event at the Indian Cartoon Gallery, marking two major milestones: the 200th Cartoon Exhibition and the release of the third edition of CartoonistsIndia Annual 2024, its flagship publication.
The event also featured a panel discussion on The Future of Cartooning in the Digital Era.
Chief Guest Dr. (Prof.) Mrinal Chatterjee, Regional Director of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Odisha, graced the occasion along with Guests of Honour Amarnath Kamath, Trustee of the Maya Kamath Memorial Awards for Excellence in Cartooning, and Ms. Sunita Munagapati, daughter of the late M.S. Ramakrishna, whose iconic works were prominently featured in the exhibition.
The exhibition paid tribute to the legendary cartoonist M.S. Ramakrishna, known for his contributions to publications such as Shankar’s Weekly, Caravan, and Woman’s Era. The highlights included:
Hubby, a full-page colour cartoon that appeared in Caravan for over a decade starting in 1976.
Rajita, a popular series in Woman’s Era during the 1980s.
Sunita Munagapati shared personal anecdotes about her father’s creative journey, offering a touching insight into his lasting legacy.
The release of CartoonistsIndia Annual 2024, a 100+ page edition, celebrated both Indian and global cartooning. The publication includes:
Tributes to renowned cartoonists like Abu Abraham, Ahibhushan Malik, Gopulu, Kerala Verma, and international icons André Franquin, Harvey Kurtzman, and Jack Davis.
A special feature on the history of cartooning in Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing its distinctive style and cultural influences.
The magazine serves as a vibrant homage to the art of cartooning, reflecting its enduring appeal and contemporary relevance.
The event concluded with a lively panel discussion moderated by G.S. Krishnan, Cartoon Analyst. The panel featured Dr. Mrinal Chatterjee, journalist and satirist Rasheed Kappan, Bibek Sengupta (Editor of CartoonistsIndia), and cartoonist Vinayak Pai V.. They discussed the challenges and opportunities for cartoonists in the digital age, sparking active engagement from the audience.
The event drew cartoonists, enthusiasts, and the general public, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration and learning. The Indian Institute of Cartoonists continues to promote the rich heritage of cartooning while embracing its exciting future.
