“Cartooning can be used to develop scientific temper in the common man”: Sumanta Baruah

“Cartooning is an important tool that can be used to many ends. Personally, I have always felt that cartooning can be used as an effective tool for popularizing science and technology in the common people,” said cartoonist Sumanta Baruah at the inauguration of an exhibition of his cartoons at the Indian Cartoon Gallery at MG Road here today.
“Cartooning can be used for building the scientific temper in youth and the future generations of our country.” added Sumanta.
Padma Bhushan and Former chairman of ISRO, Prof U R Rao inaugurated the cartoon exhibition. Lauding the launch of a cartoon exhibition aimed towards enhancing interest in the sciences, Prof Rao said, “Scientists really do have a wonderful sense of humour.” Tongue in cheek he added, “It is a pity though that though we have developed the capability to launch missiles, we yet to find the political will to develop our roads and infrastructure!”
Chief guest, Padma Shri and current director of the Indian Institute of Science, Prof P Balaram, while speaking at the cartoon exhibition said - “It is very easy to find “science” in Sumanta’s cartoons. I expect that this exhibition will be of interest in a much larger section of society.”
Speaking on the occasion, VG Narendra, Managing Trustee, Indian Institute of Cartoonists said that the Indian Cartoon Gallery was very proud to host the cartoon exhibition of Sumanta as it was a one of a kind exhibition. Rarely, he said, does one find cartoonists that are able to leverage the subtle art of cartooning to communicate complicated scientific messages.

The exhibition which has more than 80 of the best science related cartoons of Baruah on display will be on at the Indian Cartoon Gallery till June 12, 2010. For more details please contact Mr. V.G. Narendra, Managing Trustee, IIC, 9980091428.
About  Sumanta Baruah: Sumanta Baruah, hails from Assam and is now based in Bangalore. He deals mainly with topics related to science and technology, and other themes ranging from environment to politics and society in general. Of late he has been utilizing this media for expressing his concern on burning issues like global warming and climate change. Sumanta Baruah’s website is www.cartooncosmos.com