Cartoonists’ Brush As Powerful As A Journalist’s Pen: MLA Rohit Pawar At Pune International Cartoon Festival
Cartoonists’ Brush As Powerful As A Journalist’s Pen: MLA Rohit Pawar At Pune International Cartoon Festival
Pune: “Just as a journalist’s pen is powerful, so is the brush of a cartoonist,” remarked MLA Rohit Pawar during his visit to the Pune International Cartoon Festival organized by Yuva Samvad. While appreciating the caricatures on display, Pawar drew parallels between political arguments in legislative assemblies and quarrels over water taps, highlighting how developmental issues are often sidelined for political rivalry or to appease leaders.
The festival, held at Bal Gandharva Art Gallery, showcased cartoons addressing social and political issues. Pawar candidly stated that politicians, through their actions, provide ample material for cartoonists to critique them. “Unlike past leaders who took criticism sportingly, today’s political climate is marked by growing authoritarianism, which restricts artistic expression,” he observed.
The event saw the participation of noted cartoonists such as Dhanraj Garad, Lahu Kale, and Ghanashyam Deshmukh. During the program, Pawar was urged to support the art form by serving as the festival’s honorary chairperson. The event also included live demonstrations by cartoonist Gaurav Sarjerao, followed by the felicitation of distinguished artists by Pawar.
The festival not only underscored the relevance of cartoons in reflecting societal truths but also emphasized the need for greater acceptance of criticism in public life.
