Kolkata: Renowned Indian cartoonist Narayan Debnath passed away this morning at a private hospital in Kolkata, aged 98. Debnath was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2021.
A West Bengal minister had presented the award to him last week while he was undergoing treatment. Prior to this, he was awarded the Bangbibhushan and Sahitya Akademi Award in 2013.
Debnath immortalized comic characters like Handa Bhonda, Batul the Great and Nonte Fonte.
His son Tapas Debnath told that, “He was admitted to the hospital on December 24 with kidney and lung problems.” Narayan Debnath has two sons and a daughter.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the demise of Narayan Debnath has created an irreparable void in the cartoon world. “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of noted famous cartoonist,” Banerjee said in a statement.
Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Legislative Assembly Suvendu Adhikari said that the legacy of Narayan Debnath will always be cherished.
He wrote in a tweet that, ‘The creator of immortal fictional characters like ‘Batul the Great’, ‘Handa Bhonda’ and ‘Nante Fante’ along with renowned cartoonist Debnath has passed away. His legacy will always be cherished by children and elders alike. Condolences to the family and countless fans. om Shanti’
