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'Indian Cartoonists on Tibet'
(Ambernath, Maharashtra | January 13-14, 2007)
Rohit Singh (Right), a Friends of Tibet Campaigner explains the significance of cartoons to visitors.
Ambernath: Cartoons have always managed to provoke thought about the most controversial topics without irking anyone. Sensing this potential, Friends of Tibet a Tibet support group spreading awareness of the issue of Tibet in India, in association with Datta Mandir Brahmin Sabha has brought a travelling exhibition Indian Cartoonists on Tibet to Ambernath, Maharashtra. Chronicling selected cartoons on the Tibet issue, this exhibition has been to Bombay, Kerala and Dharamshala before moving into Ambernath. Renowned Indian cartoonists like Shankar, Ranga, OV Vijayan, RK Laxman, Mario Miranda, Rajinder Puri, Ponnappa and Morparia have sketched the tumultuous Indo-Chinese relations spanning 55 years from 1959 to 2005. The very best of their work resulted in the 22 cartoons, which are on display and give an insight on the issue of Tibet. Introduction and text are by Claude Arpi, author of 'The Fate of Tibet' and 'India and Her Neighbourhood: A French Observer's Views'.
For some the event at Ambernath was more than an exhibition.
With a view to highlight issues concerning Tibet and China, the cartoons on display argue their way to reason. Like Shankars cartoon in 1950 shows US President Thurman and Secretary of State Acheson laughing and saying, We told him so to Pandit Nehru when China invaded Tibet. Another one is by Morparia wherein stands a shop called Great Mall of China and a monk sticking a poster Free Tibet on the shops window, driving home a valid point of Tibet being an issue which is often paid lip-service. The cartoons are accompanied by background text by Claude Arpi who has authored The Fate of Tibet. A striking piece was the one by Rajinder Puri done in January 2005 which shows a snowman holding two boards - while one read MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), the other board reads - Do Not Touch, Frozen for 50 years - bringing the Tibets status to light.
Dr Shubhangi (Left), Campaigner of Friends of Tibet shares her views with others.
'Indian Cartoonists on Tibet' was organised by Friends of Tibet (Ambernath) in association with Datta Mandir Brahmin Sabha from January 13 to 14, 2007 at the Datta Mandir Brahmin Sabha Hall, Vadavali Section, Ambernath (East), Maharashtra.
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