PM Modi mourns cartoonist Narayan Debnath's death; says he will remain 'eternally popular'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences over demise of acclaimed cartoonist Narayan Debnath. Kwn for his creation of iconic Bengali comics, Debnath passed away in Kolkata on Tuesday at of 97 due to an -related illness. late prominent artist was hospitalised on December 24 and h been on treatment since n. Soon after news broke on Internet, PM Modi expressed deep grief over tragic news and recalled artist's intellectual prowess. 

cartoonist’s demise was confirmed by hospital treating him, Bellevue Hospital. Narayan Debnath, as per a report on PTI, was on ventilator support over past few days before his death. Debnath was kwn for creating comic characters like Bantul Great, Handa Bhonda, and nte Phonte. He reportedly held a record for Handa Bhonda as it became longest-running comic. comic was in circulation for 53 years.

PM Modi pays tribute to cartoonist Narayan Debnath

While offering his tribute, PM Modi took to Twitter and wrote, “Shri Narayan Debnath Ji brightened several lives through his works, cartoons, and illustrations. His works reflected his intellectual prowess. characters he created will remain eternally popular. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and mirers. Om Shanti.” 

Apart from PM, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also paid her tribute to artist. She tweeted, "Extremely s that ted litterateur, illustrator, cartoonist, and creator of some immortal characters for children's world, Narayan Debnath is more. He h created Bantul Great, Handa- Bhonda, nte- Fonte, figures that have been etched in our hearts for deces.''

"We were proud to bestow upon him Bengal’s highest award Banga Bibhusan in 2013. His passing away is certainly an immeasurable loss to world of literary creativity and comics. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, reers, and countless fans and followers," CM Banerjee ded. 

Debnath h received Sahitya Akemi Award in 2013. Government of India also houred cartoonist Narayan Debnath with Pma Shri in January 2021. He h also been felicitated by Bengal's highest hour Banga Bibhushan in 2013. 

Im: PTI, ANI