Hyderabad: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman, Dr. K Somnath, spoke on Tuesday, emphasizing the limitless nature of space for creativity. He encouraged professionals to strive for excellence in their respective fields.
The occasion was a cartoon exhibition titled ‘Space Toon’, organized by the Telugu Region Malayali Association and the Hyderabad Forum for Political Cartoonists Association. The event was supported by the Telangana Department of Language and Culture. Dr. Somnath was the chief guest, with Telangana Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao also in attendance.
During his speech, Dr. Somnath shared that he had a personal interest in cartoons from a young age. He fondly recalled drawing cartoons and expressed admiration for the humor in cartoons. One particular example, a spaceship cartoon from the popular TinTin series, had left a lasting impression on him. He remarked how incredible it was for him to now lead ISRO, an organization that has achieved remarkable success in space exploration within a short time and on a limited budget. He credited this success to the hard work of the scientific community, which started with the visionary leadership of Vikram Sarabhai and has progressed significantly, even reaching milestones like Chandrayaan-3.
Dr. Somnath also highlighted the importance of senior cartoonists in nurturing young talent. He said it was their responsibility to guide and support aspiring cartoonists. He congratulated the Department of Language and Culture for organizing the space-themed cartoon exhibition and interacted with students, answering their questions about space exploration.
Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao also spoke at the event. He noted that while cartoons may consist of just a few lines, they convey deep and meaningful messages. He explained that cartoons make people think, which is why they are beloved by everyone. Minister Rao acknowledged the significant contributions of famous Indian cartoonists like K Shankar Pillai, RK Laxman, and EP Unni. He mentioned that RK Laxman’s cartoons were known for their sharp commentary on politics. Finally, he expressed pride in Telangana being a hub for artists, including cartoonists, and mentioned that the state government is committed to supporting and honoring cartoonists.
