Cartoonist K.B. Harikumar has compiled a massive collection of caricatures over the years that mostly depict a message of some sort. He has sketched several that warn of reckless traffic behaviour and many on the dangers of alcohol addiction and drug abuse.
But instead of the Education, Health or Motor Vehicles Departments, one of the first government agencies to completely sponsor a cartoon exhibition by the artist was the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO).
The three-day exhibition held at the Museum auditorium concluded here on Sunday. Over 50 framed cartoons had been put on display – each bearing rather morbid images portraying the perils of addiction. At a time when there is much debate and criticism on the government’s move to revoke bar licenses and introduce prohibition in the State in phases, the theme of this exhibition seemed befitting.
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A ticking time bomb and the grim reaper were recurring images in this collection. Aside from only showing the implications on physical health, Mr. Harikumar’s cartoons also explored the widespread impact an alcoholic’s habits have on the family and society.
“That is the beauty of a cartoon. It is open to different interpretations and you can communicate better through a single image than an essay,” he said.
There was also one of an upturned wine glass trapping a person, held firmly in place by a large hand labelled the ‘liquor lobby’. “Most of them should ideally be displayed in schools and colleges. I thought that would easier to do once the Save Campus campaign was launched but the education and health departments say they do not have the funds to support a travelling exhibition,” he said, adding that it is odd since there was budget allocation specifically for awareness drives
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Few images served as a warning to parents than the one which says to keep a close watch on behavioural changes among children and young adults, since incidents of drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption were being reported at a young age.