HISTORY OF KERALA CARTOON ACADEMY
The desire for a collective organization among Kerala’s cartoonists emerged soon after cartoons gained popularity in the state. The first such initiative took shape in 1967 when cartoonists Thomas, Shivaram, Manthri, artist Raghavan Nair, and others organized a gathering in Kochi with the participation of cartoonist Kutty, who was visiting from Delhi. The meeting led to the formation of the All Kerala Humorous Arts Council, making it not only the first cartoonists’ association in Kerala but also the first of its kind in India. However, the organization became inactive after its inaugural event.
The foundation for the present-day Kerala Cartoon Academy was laid in 1981. The absence of a cartoonists’ organization to officially mourn the passing of legendary cartoonist K. S. Pillai and concerns over the professional treatment of cartoonists highlighted the need for a representative body. Under the leadership of cartoonist Yesudasan, a planning meeting was held with B. M. Gafoor, S. Mohan, Raju Nair, Y. A. Rahim, and humor writer P. Abdul Hameed. A larger meeting at the Ernakulam Press Club on November 29, 1981, formally established the Kerala Cartoon Academy with sixteen cartoonists in attendance. Yesudasan was elected Chairman, B. M. Gafoor Secretary, and Toms Vice Chairman.
Although founded in 1981, the Academy was officially registered under the Societies Act in 1983 (Registration No. ER 81/83). A general body meeting held on March 9, 1983, adopted the bylaws and elected Yesudasan as Chairman and Shivaram as Secretary. The Academy’s logo was also designed by Yesudasan.
Over the years, the Kerala Cartoon Academy has grown from sixteen members to more than a hundred, becoming one of India’s most active cartoonists’ organizations. Numerous distinguished personalities, including Presidents, Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, ministers, artists, and writers, have participated in its programs.
The Academy has played a pioneering role in advancing cartooning as an art form. In 1987, following its efforts, cartooning was included as a competition item in the Kerala State School Youth Festival and later recognized in the State Media Awards. The Academy’s interventions also contributed to the institution of cartoon awards at national and state levels. A landmark achievement came in 2008 when cartoons were officially recognized as a fine art by the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, helping secure greater recognition and welfare benefits for cartoonists.
