Science lessons and a few chuckles in Bangalore

Using cartoons to make some serious points. This was the intention of the Smile with Science exhibition, which was inaugurated at the Indian Cartoon Gallery on Thursday.

The exhibition features work of Sumanta Baruah, a self-taught cartoonist whose work has appeared in Science Reporter and Resonance (published by IISc, Bangalore).

Many of Baruah’s cartoons are based on burning issues such as global warming, pollution and deforestation. He also deals with topics such as politics and social issues.

“I published my first cartoon when I was 10 and it was in a science magazine (Drishti) in Assam,” said Baruah. Commenting on a cartoon of a robot listening to music, surrounded by paintings and books on art and history, Baruah said: “We have become much like robots these days. We need a little break.”

VG Narendra, managing trustee of Indian Institute of Cartoonists (IIC), which runs the gallery, said: “We have an exhibition every month for 15 to 20 days.” The Bangalore gallery is the first of a series that the IIC plans to set up across the country and offers several other facilities, including a 75-seater conference hall to allow cartoonists to display their work.

UR Rao, former ISRO chairman, who inaugurated the exhibition, said he is inspired by the IIC’s work, which is unique in the country. Professor P Balaram, IISc director, said Baruah’s cartoons are a “treat.”

Smile with Science will be on exhibit till June 12.