The Amazing Sketchman- Mario Miranda

Obituaries and more obituaries. The legends are passing on to another world in a jiffy and falling like 9 pins. One of the latest casualty is the legendary Indian Cartoonist –Mario Miranda. The deep abyss left behind by these legends probably will never be filled as they were possibly handpicked to leave the indelible mark on mankind with their creative, unique craftsmanship daringly different yet refreshing. Circa 1970’s. The Children studying in English Medium Schools in the early 1970’s in the 2nd and 3rd Standard had Balbharati text book replete with the characters Tim, Mini and Robert. They were effectively complimented by sketch or murals or cartoons whatever name you may call. All these carved sketches had a distinct stamp and a trade mark at the bottom of the photo, signed by the inimitable Mario Miranda. The Sketch seemed to talk to the readers on behalf of the dumb characters, so vivid and complete was the insight provided by the thought provoking caption less masterpiece. The trademark stray dog or Cat at the bottom of the sketch as visualized also lent its silent meaning which defied the now familiar statement : The Pen is Mightier than the sword. For the soft spoken Mario the Paint brush was his talking tool which depicted all the things going on in this world from Current affairs to office jokes to everyday anecdotes which caused instant smirk amongst the viewers. It was the same Times of India Group which had rejected him earlier citing poor artistic skills which later on placed him on that unshakeable pedestal and linked him to its publications like the Illustrated weekly and Femina. The unforgettable characters of Miss Fonseca and Miss Nimbupani and the Sardar sitting in a bulb Specially created for Khushwant singh’s column will continue to entertain and endear the readers for generations to come. .