Subhani Shaik Honoured with Barton Award 2026
Political cartoons depend on judgement, experience, social awareness, humour and symbolism, Subhani said.
Hyderabad: Deccan Chronicle Cartoon Editor Subhani Shaik received the Barton Award 2026, a lifetime achievement award for excellence in cartooning, from the Indian Institute of Cartoonists on Saturday. The award recognised his contribution to political cartooning over four decades.
“I feel honoured and humbled to receive this year’s Barton Lifetime Achievement Award 2026,” Subhani said while accepting the award. “While artificial intelligence can imitate styles and patterns, it lacks emotional depth, cultural understanding and moral insight.”
The presentation formed part of the prize distribution ceremony for the Maya Kamath Memorial Awards International Cartoon Contest 2026, organised to commemorate the cartoonist’s 75th birth anniversary in Bangalore. “Her lines are simple and ideas are powerful,” Subhani recalled, speaking of his days with Kamath at The Asian Age in 1997, when she contributed editorial cartoons on weekdays. He also used the acceptance speech to reflect on political cartooning at a time when artificial intelligence is changing several creative professions.
Political cartoons depend on judgement, experience, social awareness, humour and symbolism, he said. A cartoonist must follow political developments closely, generate an idea, produce the artwork and write an effective caption within strict deadlines. “It is truly a one‑man show.”
Subhani began his career with Andhra Bhoomi in 1985 and has worked as Cartoon Editor at Deccan Chronicle since 1990. He recalled working alongside Maya Kamath at The Asian Age in 1997. “Her lines are simple and ideas are powerful,” he said.
He congratulated the Indian Institute of Cartoonists on its 25th anniversary, noting that the institute recognises talent, preserves cartoons for future generations and encourages young artists.
Artist and sculptor Balan Nambiar attended as chief guest, while C.S. Lakshmi of SPARROW, Amarnath Kamath and Bharath Mehta, CMD of Bartons, were guests of honour.
An exhibition of works by foreign cartoonists selected through the contest opened at the Indian Cartoon Gallery on the theme “Gender Justice/Women’s Rights.” It will remain open to the public until June 27.
