Cartoons are more than just funny sketches. They are a genre of journalism that sends a strong and hard-hitting message, U. Shyam Sundar, a cartoonist from JNU, New Delhi, has said.
Mr. Shyam Sundar is here to showcase his works which give a glimpse of how cartoons have evolved from a static theatrical expression into a dynamic art form. His work and exhibits, some collected and others created by himself, are on display at TLN Sabha Hall of Andhra University as part of the two-day workshop-cum exhibition that was inaugurated by AU Vice-Chancellor G. Nageswara Rao on Tuesday. The workshop is being organised by the Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy of the university.
Going back into history and evolution of modern cartoons that were depicted in the UK-based Punch Magazine, Mr. Shyam Sundar tells a story about how cartoons were used by the then Telugu News Paper Andhra Patrika to highlight the demands for a separate Andhra State in 1914.
Two exhibits among the 50 on display are from Andhra Patrika (1914 and 1917) that depicts how the then leaders had fought for a separate Andhra State that was later carved out of the erstwhile Madras Presidency. One of the cartoons also showcases that one of the then demands included the formation of a separate Andhra University in ‘Andhra Rashtra’.
Array of themes
The narratives of the panels of cartoons delve into different themes touching upon socio-political aspects of caste system, gender bias, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Indian Constitution, honour killing among other issues. A few of the cartoons depict Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Hindu code issue too.
“Cartoon are highly satirical art form that delivers an issue-based message wrapped in subtle humour and the exhibits on display will take person on a short journey of the cartoons in India,” P.D. Satyapal, Director of Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy of AU, said.
