Cartoonist Day 2022: See history, significance and Famous Cartoonists from India

04 May, 2022 Author: Saumya Jaiswar

National Cartoonists Day is dedicated to the art of cartoonists and their vivid craft. Cartoons never fail to mesmerize us and make our imagination fly high. From newspapers to television, cartoons are an all-time favourite of all, from children to adults. Some iconic cartoons like Tom and Jerry, Mickey Mouse, and Winnie the Pooh still make our hearts jump with joy the moment we behold them. Let's see some history behind this day.

It’s National Cartoonist Appreciation Day! Now get out of the way you swine! #InkodeMayo pic.twitter.com/uAl0Mnrycd
— Mexican Judge (@laloalcaraz) May 5, 2021

HISTORY OF NATIONAL CARTOONISTS DAY

In 1943, a bunch of cartoonists — Gus Edson, Otto Soglow, Clarence D. Russell, Bob Dunn, and others — did small cartoon shows in hospitals to entertain the troops during the Second World War. The group expanded and performed across hospitals and various military bases. Then, while flying to one of the military bases, Clarence D. Russell suggested the group form a club so they could keep meeting even after World War II ended. And so, the National Cartoonists Society (N.C.S.) was born in 1946.

They launched a celebration in 1999 and called it National Cartoonists Day. It was a dedication to all cartoonists and the cartoons they created. News articles credited two co-chairpersons from the National Cartoonists Day Committee, Polly Keener and Ken Alvine, for this idea. This special event was inspired by the first colour newspaper cartoon called “Hogan’s Alley.”

On May 5, 1895, the Sunday morning paper held a little surprise for its readers. Readers of the New York World discovered a single-strip, full-colour drawing of a big-eared, barefoot little boy with a mischievous grin. Created by American comic strip writer and artist Richard Outcault, this comic strip (called “Hogan’s Alley,” and later, “The Yellow Kid”) became the very first commercially successful cartoon. This famous character soon appeared on postcards, billboards, cigarette packs, and other product advertisements.

Famous Cartoonists from India

Shankar- Shankar's Weekly

#Shankar was an eminent political #cartoonist who published Shankar's Weekly (1948-75). He also started an International Children's Competition, Children's Book Trust and a doll's museum. He was #awarded with PadmaShri, PadmaBhushan & PadmaVibhushan. #BirthAnniversary #today pic.twitter.com/BBpCOArqzy
— प्रियराज PrriyaRaj (@PrriyaRaj) July 31, 2021

R.K Laxman: R.K. Laxman or Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Laxman is one of the most famed cartoonists of the country. He illustrated his elder brother, R.K. Narayan’s stories in The Hindu during his college days and eventually joined his first fulltime job as a political cartoonist at The Free Press Journal.

A cartoon by RK Laxman from 1991. Still relevant.

Via @redditindia pic.twitter.com/Gd7EDfkO3b
— meghnad 🔗 (@Memeghnad) January 1, 2020

Rajinder Puri: He was an Indian cartoonist, veteran columnist and political activist. He was on the staff of The Hindustan Times and The Statesman as a cartoonist and writer

Good Morning..Sept 20:
: Today's Cartoon Show - Remembering Rajinder Puri Cartoonist pic.twitter.com/fSeEh3kdYx
— CA.( Prof.) Shashi Gupta (@shashifca) September 20, 2015

Sudhir Tailang- Published In Hindustan Times

@Swamy39 @jagdishshetty The Asian age -Sudhir Tailang's cartoon published on 16.9.11
Which is suitable for now also pic.twitter.com/nPFeAcPMDe
— Karur Mohan (@karurvnmohan) August 10, 2016

Mario Miranda: Mario Miranda was an Indian cartoonist and painter based in Loutolim in the Indian state of Goa. He had been a regular with The Times of India and other newspapers in Mumbai, including The Economic Times, though he got his popularity with his works published in The Illustrated Weekly of India.