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Print media incomplete without cartoons: Mishra

By Correspondent

BARPETA, Nov 18 - The �Jocoserious� of The Assam Tribune and the �Kahudi� and �Samayar Shar� of Dainik Asam were well appreciated here on Monday in a symposium held on the occasion of the National Press Day.

Speaking as the distinguished speaker on the subject �Role of cartoons as a medium of expression of opinion and its influence and importance,� veteran academician and former president of Barpeta District Sahitya Sabha Akshyay Kumar Mishra said that �Samayar Shar� and �Kahudi� are distinguished examples of sarcasm and ridicule of the prevalent evils in the country.

Mishra, one of the doyens of journalism in Barpeta presented illustrations of cartoons all over the world and said that without cartoons, the print media is incomplete. He lauded the role of journalists who actually diagnose the illness of the society and treat them with cartoons, the main ingredient of the treatment.

Addressing the meeting as the chief guest, Varnali Deka, Deputy Commissioner of Barpeta said that the media is like the eyes and ears of the administration. Few countries in the world have a free media like India and establishment of the Press Council Of India as a statutory body vindicates it. She extolled the responsible approach of mediamen of Barpeta and said that journalists of Barpeta have opened the eyes of the administration through their writings.

Speaking on the role of cartoons, she said that cartoons can provide effective lessons to the people, who see them regularly and attentively. Stating that self-learning is the best learning, she said that cartoons can educate a person on his own which other forms of media cannot.

The programme on the occasion of National Press Day was organised by the Office of the DIPR in association with the Barpeta Press Club and the Journalists� Union of Assam, Barpeta district committee. Mahananda Pathak, vice-president of the press club conducted the event. Three veterans in the field of journalism in Barpeta Akshyay Kumar Mishra, Manindra Das and M Ibrahim were felicitated in the function.

Bongaigaon: Bongaigaon district administration celebrated the National Press Day at Greater Bongaigaon Press Club in association with the club on Monday.

Speaking on the theme, �The impact and import of cartooning and caricature as a medium of expression of opinion,� fixed by the Press Council of India for the year, eminent cartoonist Nituparna Rajbongshi reflected on the genesis and metamorphosis of cartooning presenting it in its current context in the mass media.

Rajbongshi, mentioned how the cartoons drawn by RK Laxman, creator of the popular cartoon character� the �common man�� had influenced the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his political career. Nehru was forced to meet Laxman personally.

In Assam, the Baahi newspaper published by Sahityarathi Laxminath Bezbaroa had used an old couple as cartoon characters to depict the social and political issues in 1905. But cartoon art became known to a wider circle of people through Britain only in 1922, Rajbongshi added.

In the meeting, chaired by Kunja Mohan Ray, president of the press club, the Deputy Commissioner gave the inaugural address and conveyed his regard to the local media personnel for the active cooperation rendered to him during crucial hours.

A senior scribe Ranjit Sarma, Dr Hitesh Das and Harendra Chandra Chakravarty, principal and an associate professor of Bongaigaon College respectively also spoke on the occasion.

Local singer Biseswar Barman sung songs composed by Dr Bhupen Hazarika in the meeting and said, �the association of scribe and the singers is mightier than AK 47 rifles�, while passing his gratitude to the members of the Press Club. B Rajbongshi, District Information and Public Relations Officer, extended her hand to make the programme a success on behalf of the district administration.

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