An end of this celebrated Bengali illustrator is a significant loss to the children literature
The notable cartoonist, comic artist, writer and illustrator, Padma Shri Winner Narayan Debnath was admitted to a hospital back in December due to age-related infirmity in Kolkata, West Bengal.
The government of the state itself had taken charge of his treatment. He took his last breath on the morning of January 18, Tuesday, as reported by the hospital.
The esteemed cartoonist had given a new face to the world of comics in India in the 1960s by creating popular comic strips like Handa Bhonda, Bantul The Great and Nonte Phonte, which are still cherished by readers young and old. Animated shows of some of these comic stories have also been created.
A recipient of the Padma Shri in 2021
A recipient of the Padma Shri in 2021, he was also honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award and Banga Bibhushan in 2013. He is also the only Indian comic artist to have a D.Litt. (Doctor of Letters) degree.
President Ram Nath Kovind, P.M. Narendra Modi and C.M. of West Bengal Mamta Banerjee, among many others, offered their condolences to his family, friends and readers.
Modi Ji tweeted, “Debnath Ji brightened several lives through his works. The characters he created will remain eternally popular. Pained by his demise. Om Shanti.”
Banerjee, the C.M. of West Bengal also expressed her sorrow over the loss and tweeted, “His passing away is certainly an immeasurable loss to the world of literary creativity and comics.” She also extended her empathy to his family, friends, fans and followers.
Although the late eminent illustrator had withdrawn himself from the limelight, he immortalized himself through his work. And that legacy will forever live in the hearts of his readers.
Padma Shri Winner Narayan Debnath Ji.
Published By – Ranjit Gohite
Edited By – Mahi Gupta
