Cartoons are one of the most efficient methods to spread even serious messages with a humorous touch. Climate change is considered as a very serious topic and most people tend to consider that it should be left to experts to study and learn about it. However, the ground reality is that knowledge and awareness among the common people can be one of the most effective weapons to tackle it.
The British Council, with an aim to get young people express their views about Climate Change in a creative manner organised a cartoon contest in partnership with Ken Sprague Fund, UK starting last October. Over 500 entries were received from across India and an eminent panel of judges comprising of Ajit Ninan and Jug Suraiya from The Times Of India, Martin Rowson from The Guardian, UK and Michal Boncza Ozdowski, Ken Sprague Fund, UK judged the cartoons. As a part of the project, a cartoon exhibition is being organised with the best cartoons from the contest in several cities in India.
In Guwahati, as a part of the series of exhibitions, a Cartoon Exhibition and workshop titled “Cartoons for Climate” was organised at Regional Science Centre, Guwahati on 20th and 21st February, 2010 by the British Council. The workshop on the evening of 20th February was conducted by the internationally renowned Cartoonist from UK, Mr. Martin Rowson. Many eminent cartoonists from across the region participated in the workshop and the Regional Science Centre virtually came alive with the drawings from all the master cartoonists.
The event acted as a platform for all the cartoonists to exchange their views and also discuss about the various nuances of the art. The presentation by Mr. Rowson was very informative yet highly entertaining and it also gave everyone a chance to see some of his best cartoons.
A cartoon exhibition on an important topic such as Climate Change is definitely a very welcome step as it can act as a means to spread the knowledge among the masses in an effective manner. We look forward to more such programs and activities from The British Council in future.
Angshuman Hazarika, New Delhi
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