Sajith Kumar, an internationally recognised political cartoonist, has held the mirror to Indian society with his sharp-witted illustrations. Born in 1982 in Kannur, Kerala, Kumar has devoted his life to sketching hard-hitting cartoons that resonate profoundly with his audience.
His career journey, which embarked with science in higher secondary education, a B.Sc in Chemistry from Payyanur College, Kerala, and a post-graduation in Journalism from Kerala University, set the stage for his illustrious career as a cartoonist.These academic detours, albeit offbeat, reflect Kumar’s devotion to continually enrich his cartooning canvases with a blend of satire, integrity, and educational attributes.
The shift to cartooning was not just a career change, it was his calling, a passion that ignited when he was a high school boy, shaped by his socio-politically aware environment. while his experience as an illustrator for renowned platforms like Hindustan Times, Outlook Business, and The New Indian Express allowed him to enhance his creative skills. His journey, beginning with New Indian Express as an illustrator to becoming a senior cartoonist with Deccan Herald, is a testament to this artistic geniuses consistent growth and fervour for his craft.
Kumar started his creative expedition owing to a blend of his inherent talent and the influence of the state of Kerala, known for its rich literary and political consciousness. His allure towards cartooning was further moulded by renowned political cartoonist Ajit Ninan and the immersive world of Tintin comics.
India, a landscape teeming with various political ideologies and social narratives, offers a fertile ground for a political cartoonist. However, with the advent of digital media, traditional cartooning has faced its trials. Yet, Kumar has made the most of social media, granting his work a global platform while appreciating the freedom of expression Deccan Herald provides.
Though inspired by comic book heroes, Kumar's interest was never in comic art, but the artistry in criticising the political and moral dispositions of his era. His affiliation for commenting on socio-political events transformed into a full-fledged profession, where Kumar constantly reinvents his cartooning style while being aware of his moral compass.
Sajith observes that while comic books retain their loyal fan base, mobile phones and video games have eroded their charm. Yet, the storytelling power of graphic novels remains undeterred, signifying his current interest.
Among his numerous awards, showcasing his work in BBC World News programme on India's national election stands as a memorable moment in Kumar's career. The prestigious Kerala Lalithakala Akademi award for cartooning remains a key milestone in his progression.
In addition to creating daily cartoons for Deccan Herald, Kumar is currently invested in creating a graphic novel - a testament to his ever-evolving creative sagacity.
Despite being a field less trodden, Kumar asserts, "Political Cartoonists are almost an extinct species fighting for their survival in India." This narrative subtly hints at the importance of supporting freely expressed political commentaries and the preservation of the art of political cartooning.
