Kottayam: Cartoons speak far louder than words, they say, and cartoonist Gopal Manimala has just proved the old adage to be true.
Recently, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC), which is normally flooded with long and dry petitions, received a unique grievance on the sorry state of affairs at the Government College of Fine Arts in Thiruvananthapuram. It was a cartoon which depicted the appalling condition of one of the progressive institutions of higher learning in the State.
A seasoned artist, Gopal, a native of Karikkattoor Center in Kottayam district’s Manimala, was keen that his son too chooses the same career. However, when he accompanied the boy to the college to take admission, he was disheartened by the scenes of students openly consuming tobacco products, and the unhygienic condition of toilets there.
Intensely concerned about the grave situation, he decided to lodge a complaint with the Excise Commissioner and the KSHRC seeking immediate action on the issue.
However, he could not put it into words effectively. Finally, he made up his mind to use his favorite medium to vent his angst. He translated the experiences he encountered at the college visually onto a paper and laced it with a tinge of humor.
The members of the KSHRC took note of the issues raised by him and asked him to submit a comprehensive complaint at the sitting to be held at Kottayam on October 19.
Gopal hopes that the Commission would summon the college authorities and seek explanation from them regarding the pitiable condition of the institution.
