In the dynamic world of Indian journalism - where news stories shape public opinion with lightning speed - one avenue for provocative expression often overlooked is the work of the Indian cartoonists. The finesse for telling a tale through their art, the capacity to infuse satire, humour and thought-provoking questions often without uttering a word, is a skill set few possess. One such prominent figure in the sphere of Indian cartoonists is R Prasad, a man known for his witty and politically charged cartoons, illustrations that have punctuated the pages of the Delhi-based Mail Today daily as well as other notable publications.
Born on 17th March 1966 in Pala, Kottayam district of Kerala, R Prasad's initiation into the realm of political discourse was at a very young age. Having grown up in a small town in Kerala, he was ensconced amidst a rich socio-political environment, acting as an early impetus for the political cartoonist we know today.
Educated at the University College in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Prasad nurtured his artistic talent alongside earning a Bachelor's degree in Geography. These formative years laid the foundation of his intellectual prowess, which eventually found its expression in his politically charged cartoon artworks.
Career Chronicles: From Mail Today to Economic Times
From November 2007 to December 2014, R Prasad wielded his pencils as a political cartoonist at Mail Today, a part of the India Today Group. Here, he carved out his space in the fraternity, earning recognition for his work that depicted the contradictory nuances of Indian politics with a poignant wit.
Venturing into one of India's leading economic focused daily, The Economic Times, R Prasad continues to invigorate political dialogue in his role as a political cartoonist. His clever use of humour combined with insightful commentary on socio-political issues has rightfully positioned him as an essential voice ever since July 2018.
No art is devoid of controversy, and Prasad’s witty sketches are no exception. In 2010, one of his cartoons provoked a ripple of uproar across Australia, as it drew parallels between Australian police and the infamous racist organization, Ku Klux Klan. The illustration, published in Mail Today, was his comment on a perceived racial bias in the Australian police force against Indians. The cartoon drew condemnations from police and political leaders from Australia, thus amplifying Prasad’s art beyond Indian shores.
R Prasad, as a leading political cartoonist working with Economic Times, has considerably shaped the contemporary political discourse in India. His effervescent strokes symbolise a departure from the usual media narrative by adding a funny, quirky yet in-depth analysis of the subject matter.
A casual observer may see cartoons as mere illustrations, but R Prasad's work upholds the age-old adage - pictures do speak louder than words. As the celebrated political cartoonist continues to sketch and influence minds, it underscores the power of art in catalysing social change and driving conversations on governance and societal norms. With each stroke of his pencil, Prasad not just sketches but scribes a narrative, a commentary, an opinion; often a satire on the socio-political events unfolding in the nation and around the globe.
