Renowned cartoonist CJ Yesudasan passes away at 83

Kochi, October 6

Renowned cartoonist CJ Yesudasan died early on Wednesday due to post-Covid complications at a private hospital here, Ernakulam Press Club officials said.

He was 83 and is survived by wife and three children.

Cartoonist Yesudasan, as he is popularly known, had recovered from Covid a week ago but was admitted to the hospital due to post-Covid complications. He breathed his last at 3.45 am.

Famous for his political cartoons, Yesudasan received the best cartoonist award from the Kerala government several times.

He also bagged honours like Swadeshabhimani Award, BM Gafoor Award, V Sambasivan Memorial Award, PK Manthri Memorial Award and NV Pylee Award.

Born in Bharaikkavu in Alappuzha district in 1938, Yesudasan had a long stint as a cartoonist with Malayala Manorama. He had also worked with Janayugom and Shankar’s Weekly in the beginning of his career.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of Yesudasan, who rose to the ranks of the most prominent cartoonists, and said the field of cartoons had lost a unique talent.

The CM said Yesudasan, through his cartoons, not only reflected the political developments of a period, but also boldly recorded his views and anyone who peruses his work can see the political history of Kerala.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, VD Satheesan, also expressed his condolences saying the cartoonist left a mark on the political history of Kerala and India through his work.

He said Yesudasan popularised the art of cartooning and was the author of the first pocket cartoon in Kerala.

He criticised, made people laugh and made them think through his work, Satheesan said in his message.

Yesudasan showed the depth of his talent through the dialogues he penned for KG George’s famous satirical film ‘Panchavadipalam’, he said, adding that his cartoons would not die with him.

Yesudasan’s funeral will be held on Thursday at a church here. His mortal remains will be placed at the municipal town hall in Kalamassery on Thursday morning for the public to pay their respects. PTI