Caste captured on canvas

Hyderabad: Archaic tenets through different generations have infused an infectious virus termed caste into the psyche of most Indians. Cartoonist Shekhar makes a bold jab at this societal menace in his latest cartoon album titled “Caste Cancer”. Despite his battle with a raging cancer in his body, Shekhar took up the task of shedding light on a greater evil that has been ravaging our society since decades. He paints a straight and honest representation of how caste system has caused boundless grief to the deprived, masked in the guise of religion and tradition.

The book was released by senior advocate Bojja Tarakam. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani. Senior journalists K Srinivas, Allam Narayana, cartoonist Mohan and N Venugopal Rao spoke about their association with Shekhar and how his cartoons were both an inspiration and a step towards betterment of society. Though cartoonist Surendra couldn’t attend the meeting, he sent his message through a personal letter and in it he referred to Shekhar as his hero.