An educationist, columnist and cartoonist based in Goa, Dr. Smitha Bhandare Kamat is into cartooning, writing and teaching, touching and transforming lives in more ways than one. A down to earth personality, she’s a recipient of many awards including State Award by Government of Goa, Lokmat, Mario, Agent of Social Change, etc for her valuable contribution to society at large and education in particular. The fascinating aspect about her is the fact that she’s one of the few lady cartoonists India can boast of.
Q. Tell us a bit about yourself, and your journey as a cartoonist.
Intrinsically, I’m a dreamer, a misfit of sorts and a very private person, you can say almost a recluse. I respect my space and those of others, given the option, I rather read, write, draw, listen to soft music than socialize. I love children and animals. I get terribly upset when children or women are abused in whatever form or manner and I express the same in my writings or drawings, which in my opinion is subtle and restrained rather than effusive and overpowering.
Q. Have you always harboured an interest in cartooning?
Not really. It was only in 2009 that I got an unexpected offer to do cartoons for a local daily – Herald, that channelized my creativity. With time I did illustrations for other local publications, including Goa Today. With time, my work was selected for the exhibition of Indian Institute of Cartoonists, Bangalore, and the Kerala Cartoon Academy’s ‘CariToon 2016’.
I have also contributed works as a greeting card and illustrations for study material of Women’s Studies Department-IGNOU, Delhi. I’ve authored 3 books on creative writings, of which one is on socio-political cartoons.
Q. You were selected not only as of the ‘Cartoonist of the Month’ (December 2019 and again in November 2020) by a noted Turkish International Cartoon Magazine – Birkitapbindost, but you also garnered 3rd position as ‘The Cartoonist of the Year 2019’, organised by Toons Mag, Norway. You were interviewed by Le Crayon a French Organisation for your contribution in the field of the cartoon. Mario Miranda (consolation). Recently, your collection on women politicians and posters on menstrual hygiene for an NGO Pinkshe Foundation was well received. Your comments.
Recognition and acknowledgement of your humble contribution certainly motivate and encourage the artist to excel and give one’s best. I always experience a great sense of pride and achievement when my name is tagged with our national flag on these international events.
Q. What kind of cartoons you do and from where do you find inspiration to create cartoons?
I like to do cartooning on women and children issues, as also social, environmental and yes political too. A lot of reading, introspection and imagination is required, add to it the fact that your prejudice and ideology should not seep in your work. Apart from being unbiased, I ensure that’s sentiments are not hurt. I use digital art form for all the events.
Q. What are your future plans?
I’m hoping to start a full-fledged Cartoon Academy, especially once I retire from my teaching profession. I’ve already started working in that direction. God willing, someday, my dream will come true.
Q. What is your message for the aspiring cartoonists?
Practice, practice and more practice is the key.
Smitha Smitha Smitha
