Bengaluru, 13 June(HS): AI might have made a foray into multiple fields, including drawing, painting, caricaturing and cartooning, but it is not all that easy to do the same in political cartooning, opined Subhani, veteran cartoonist, here on Saturday.

Barton Award 2026: He was speaking after receiving the 'Barton Award 2026' for lifetime achievement award for excellence in cartooning, in recognition of his distinguished contribution to the art of cartooning. The Indian Institution of Cartoonists organised the event in association with the Maya Kamat family and Barton Group.

35,000 cartoons! Subhani has been associated with the Deccan Chronicle since 1990 as the Cartoon Editor, while he began his cartooning career with the Andhra Bhoomi in 1985. He also has the unique distinction of having drawn more than 35,000 cartoons and 10,000 illustrations, in addition to penning several books.

Prize distribution: The prize distribution ceremony of the Maya Kamath Memorial International Cartoon Contest 2026 was also held on the occasion in commemoration of the 75th birth anniversary of Maya Kamath. Amarnath Kamat, husband of Maya Kamath, informed that the international cartoon contest has been gaining global recognition over a period of time. He also said there were nearly 1800 entries from 75 countries this year.

Panel discussion: A panel discussion followed with the topic, 'Political Cartooning-thriving or witnessing a pushback? CS Lakshmi, Director, Sparrow, Sandeep Adhwaryu, of The Times of India, and Deepa Kamath, daughter of Maya Kamat, participated in the panel discussion, moderated by Nupur Basu.

Short film on Maya Kamat: A short film on the life and cartooning world of Maya Kamat with a voice-over of the late cartoonist's granddaughter was screened. The videos of several international award winners were also played.

Balan Nambiar, internationally renowned artist and sculptor, inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp and recollecting his memories with the late cartoonist paid tributes.

Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti