Cartoonist Mohan Shyam Maharjan honoured

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 17: Renowned cartoonist Mohan Shyam Maharjan  ‘Khokna’  was honoured by the Press Council for his significant contributions to the field of cartoon over the past five decades in the capital on Monday. 

 He was honured during an interaction programme on 'Cartoons and Code of Conduct in the Media'.

The interaction was jointly organised by   Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, the Cartoonists Club of Nepal and the Press Council of Nepal. 

Basu Kshitiz, the President of the Cartoonist Club of Nepal, highlighted the enduring presence of cartoons in Nepal, in contrast to some countries where cartoons have faced challenges. 

He noted the shift from traditional print media to social media for sharing cartoons and underlined the core essence of cartoons as a medium for satirising distortions and anomalies.

Balkrishna Basnet, the President of Press Council Nepal, shed light on various aspects of cartoon journalism, including its current state, the need for a code of conduct in cartoons, and their significance. 

Rabin Sayami, a veteran cartoonist and commentator, emphasised the role of the Press Council in supporting freedom of expression.

 Abin Shrestha, another cartoonist, recalled the transition of cartoon art during the Panchayat era and its evolution towards greater freedom of expression in the democratic era.

Cartoonist Rajesh KC suggested that the Press Council should take the lead in addressing controversies related to cartoons, despite their inherently contentious nature.

 Naradamani Hartmchali, the Chancellor of the Academy, stressed that cartoons combine creativity and messaging. 

He suggested that the press should regulate, raise awareness within a policy framework, and help resolve the triangular balance through institutional mechanisms.

Devendra Thumkeli, the member secretary of the Academy, emphasised the special role of cartoons in journalism and expressed a desire to collaborate with the council, the club, and the Federation of Nepali Journalists.