Prominent Indian cartoonist Narayan Debnath, creator of notable children’s characters "Nonte Fonte" and "Bantul the Great,” breathed his last in Kolkata on Tuesday morning, January 18. He was 97 years old.
He was admitted to a private hospital on December 24 and passed away almost a month later due to kidney and lung problems.
The legendary cartoonist, who holds the record for the longest running comic series by an individual artist for "Handa Bhonda", was awarded India's fourth-highest civilian award Padma Shri in 2021. He had also received the Bangabibhsuan Award in 2013 and the Sahitya Academy Award.
He was behind the creation of timeless comic characters such as Handa Bhonda, Batul the Great, and Nonte Fonte.
Deeply saddened to know about the demise of legendary Kathak dancer, Birju Maharaj. A dance exponent of international acclaim, he had won many national and international awards. Govt of West Bengal had bestowed upon him the prestigious Banga Bibhusan award in 2018.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 17, 2022
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mourned his demise, tweeting, "Extremely sad that the noted litterateur, illustrator, cartoonist, and creator of some immortal characters for children's world, Narayan Debnath is no more. He had created Bantul the Great, Handa- Bhonda, Nonte- Fonte, figures that have been etched in our hearts for decades."
"We were proud to bestow upon him Bengal's highest award Banga Bibhusan in 2013. His passing away is certainly an immeasurable loss to the world of literary creativity and comics. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, readers and countless fans and followers," she added.
"Legendary cartoonist Narayan Debnath; creator of immortal fictional characters like 'Batul the Great', 'Handa Bhonda' & 'Nante Fante' has passed away. His legacy will always be cherished by children and grown ups alike. Condolences to family and countless admirers. Om Shanti," Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly tweeted.
The cartoonist is survived by two sons and a daughter.