Bangalore:
The first national and international "Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi caricature contest" for professional and amateur cartoonists will be staged at an eight day exhibition in Bangalore from January 15 next year.
"Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi have been chosen for the contest, the first of its kind in the country, as they are the most popular and successful leaders", V G Narendra, President of Indian Institute of Cartoonists, which is holding the contest, told a press conference in Bangalore. "We are expecting over 500 entries from both national and international cartoonists", he said.
Sponsored by the V R Deshpande Memorial Trust, the contest will have separate prizes of Rs one lakh each for the best caricatures. Second prize of Rs 50,000 each, third prize of Rs 10,000 each and three consolation prizes of Rs 5,000 each will also be given away.
A four member jury, headed by Justice M N Venkatachalaiah will select the best caricatures. Jnanpitha awardee Dr U R Ananthamurthy, noted artist V G Andani and well-known cartoonist Keshav are the other jury members.
"The Trust is sponsoring the event to encourage art and artists", its Chairman and KPCC President R V Deshpande said.