KATHMANDU, Oct 17: Balkrishna Basnet, chairman of the Press Council Nepal, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the cartoon genre to maintain the vitality of journalism. He shared that the council is actively engaged in nurturing the professionalism of cartoons within the field of journalism.
Speaking at an interactive program focused on cartoons and media code of conduct held in Naxal, in collaboration with the council, the Cartoonist Club, and Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Basnet stressed the need for upholding the professional integrity of cartooning in journalism.
"Cartoons infuse journalism with creativity and make it engaging. Despite their seemingly negative appearance, cartoons often convey positive messages. In addition to the evolving landscape of journalism, including the advertising market and online platforms, we must take steps to advance the cartoon genre," Basnet said. "To ensure the continued vitality of journalism, we must also ensure the survival of the cartoon genre."
Naradmani Hartamchhali, chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, appreciated the Council's involvement in addressing the issues and professionalism of cartoonists at the national level. Basu Kshitij, president of the Cartoonist Club of Nepal, highlighted that the essence of cartoons lies in satirizing distortions and anomalies, and when the state gets involved, cartoonists often grapple with insecurity.
Creating dialogue through art: ‘Object in Focus’
This event marked the Council's first endeavor to host such a significant program focused on cartoons, accompanied by discussions on the media's code of conduct.
Cartoonists Rabin Sayami and Abin Shrestha asked the Council to adopt a protective role in ensuring the professional well-being of cartoonists alongside journalism. They noted the need for pressing for legal amendments that protect the independence of cartoonists, as per the provisions in the law.
Cartoonist Rajesh KC revealed that he had to carry a separate identification card because the state failed to recognize his role as a cartoonist in journalism.
Prominent cartoonist Mohanshyam Maharjan Khokana was honored at the program. Khokna explained that he adopted the name "Khokana" to ensure people knew his place of birth.
The program featured a working paper from Council Chairman Basnet and cartoonist Ravi Mishra. Devendra Thumkeli, member secretary of the Nepal Fine Arts Academy, extended a warm welcome to the program, which was ably facilitated by council member Deepak Pandey.
