Pune: In a grand celebration of the 100th year of veteran cartoonist S. D. Phadnis, a public felicitation was organized by MNS President Raj Thackeray and Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.
The event, held on Monday (July 29), featured a lively exchange of witty remarks and political jabs, creating a memorable and heartfelt tribute to the centenarian cartoonist. The 'Shi. Da. 100' festival, organized by Vasundhara Club and Cartoonists Combine, commenced with this vibrant event.
"I don't understand the politics currently happening in Maharashtra at all. Make it clear for me," said S. D. Phadnis with a piercing remark.
Meanwhile, "We should learn something from 'S. D'," said Chandrakant Patil, to which Raj Thackeray responded, "Even at a hundred, 'S. D' stands tall. If the government ran as upright, it would suffice. The government is bending even without age. Don't bring in too many outsiders," hitting a sixer with his words!
Raj Thackeray said, "A good drawing is made when imagination and fine drawing come together. 'S. D' has been doing this consistently for the past 75 years.
Although his drawings look simple, they are not. They require immense study. A cartoon is not the beginning; it is the final step in the art of drawing."
Chandrakant Patil said, "In honor of S. D. Phadnis's work, an academy for cartooning will soon be established with full support from the state government. Additionally, efforts will be made to confer the 'Maharashtra Bhushan Award' and the 'Padma Award' to 'S. D.'."
"There is no need for a separate academy for cartooning. Instead, improve the condition of art education institutions in the state. The current state of 'J. J. School of Applied Arts' is poor.
The principal there can't even draw a flower. If such institutions are improved, many good artists will emerge from Maharashtra," advised Raj Thackeray.
"Cats Fighting; Rats Drinking Milk"
"S. D. Phadnis has a drawing where kittens are drinking milk, along with a rat, under the loving gaze of the mother cat. If I were to draw this today, it would show the kittens fighting over their castes while the rat drinks the milk," Raj Thackeray remarked pointedly.