Senior cartoonists honoured

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 13: The Cartoonist Club of Nepal has honoured five individuals who have been active in the field of cartoons for many years.

The award, established in the name of cartoonist Balram Thapa, was presented by Narayanmani Hartamchhali, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, during a programme.

The honourees include senior cartoonists Ashokman Singh, Jeevan Rajopadhyaya, Rabin Sayami, Rajesh KC, and Abin Shrestha.

Singh received the Baratha Memorial Award 2077 BS, Rajopadhyaya received the Baratha Memorial Award 2078 BS, Sayami received the Baratha Memorial Award 2079 BS, KC received the Baratha Memorial Award 2080 BS, and Shrestha received the Baratha Memorial Award 2081 BS. Speaking at the event, Chancellor Hartamchhali said that such initiatives by the Cartoonist Club of Nepal uplift the artists. 

Honoured artist Ashokman Singh said that in his 50-year artistic journey, this award holds an important place and has given him the energy to work further for the development of the cartoon genre.

Honoured cartoonist Jeevan Rajopadhyaya said that although he has been involved in cartoon art for a long time, there was a period when he worked in other art forms. 

Similarly, cartoonist Rabin Sayami expressed gratitude to the Cartoonist Club, saying that the award has given him new motivation. Cartoonist Abin Shrestha said he felt honoured to be part of the tradition of honouring seniors, which was initiated during his tenure at the club.

At the programme, a member of the selection committee, Keshav Raj Khanal, said that the club has been presenting this award every year for the past 12 years.  Club president Basu Kshitiz said that honouring seniors felt like an honour for himself, and that recognising veterans who have directly or indirectly contributed to Nepali cartoons for a long time would guide the younger generation to move forward. 

The club has been honouring contributors to the development of cartoon art in the name of the late cartoonist Balram Thapa ‘Baratha’ for the past 12 years. 

Balram Thapa worked as a cartoonist for a long time at Gorkhapatra. In addition, through various newspapers and magazines, he played a significant role in expanding humour and satire through cartoons.