By Shyam Mohan-
Once you delve into the history of Indian cartooning and search for the location of the International Cartoon Festival in India, the answer is Hyderabad.
From 2000 to 2002, Hyderabad hosted international cartoon competitions focusing on themes like gender discrimination, water issues, and cyber humor. Former President K.R. Narayanan launched the Indian Ink cartoon anthology on globalization in Hyderabad as well.
How did this all happen?
Senior cartoonists like Mohan, Subhani, Sekhar, and Venkat envisioned making Hyderabad a hub for cartoons. They were encouraged by a senior bureaucrat at the time, B.P. Acharya, who assured them, “All your dreams will come true; go ahead!” Thanks to Acharya, who invited the nation’s leading cartoonists, Hyderabad hosted two grand cartoon festivals in Telangana.
B.P. Acharya is a remarkable talent within India’s bureaucratic system. He has a deep love for rural artists and is a gifted writer and political cartoonist. Recognized as a TED Speaker, Acharya has collaborated with renowned authors like Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre in editing the Mountbatten Papers. Apart from contributing cartoons, he also writes articles for English newspapers.
As a former IAS officer and Special Chief Secretary of the Telangana government, Acharya played a pivotal role in developing industrial hubs such as Genome Valley, Financial District, Mindspace in Telangana, Sri City in Rayalaseema, and Brandix in North Andhra. These initiatives have directly and indirectly created employment for over 4 lakh people.
How Did He Become a Cartoonist?
Acharya attributes his passion for drawing cartoons to the inspiring satirical lines of legendary cartoonists R.K. Laxman and Mario Miranda. Fascinated by humor and art from a young age, Acharya translated his four decades of experience in civil services — from his student days to retirement — into a cartoon anthology titled Obtuse Angle.
Through his satirical lines, Acharya illustrated the challenges, hardships, and lighter moments encountered in his journey as a civil servant. He captured the inefficiencies of India’s governance system through sharp, insightful cartoons, showcasing his extraordinary talent not only as a bureaucrat but also as a creative cartoonist.
His cartoons serve as a medium to highlight the struggles faced by common people, the inefficiencies of politicians, and the challenges within the civil service. The collection not only reflects his artistic prowess but also sheds light on the flaws in governance, administrative systems, and global developments.
Acharya’s unique satirical style humanizes societal issues while offering constructive criticism of the system. His cartoons are not only humorous but also thought-provoking, serving as a tool for understanding administrative challenges. With a blend of fine lines and subtle yet profound wisdom, Acharya’s cartoons inspire budding artists to foster positive change through creativity. (To be available on Amazon soon)