The Indian Institute of World Culture, Bengaluru is hosting an exhibition of caricatures on Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Cartoonists, Egypt Cartoons and Karnataka Gandhi Memorial Fund.
The bald belly, the full moon glasses, the ever-present walking stick and the home-knitted robes have made the Father of the Nation one of the most recognizable figures in human history. This exhibition showcases the imagination of approximately 52 Indian and 52 foreign artists from 24 countries across the world.
According to Arakali Venkatesh, Honorable Secretary of the Indian Institute of World Culture and one of the curators of the show, no one embodies the purpose of universal brotherhood like Gandhi.Yes. “Given the turbulent times we live in, we felt it was an appropriate theme. The exhibition is a tribute to him and to the Institute of World Culture, which was founded on the principles of peace and world unity.”
The Indian Institute of World Culture was founded by BP Wadia, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, to promote the principle of universal brotherhood.
Also read: At 80, BP Wadia’s vision for the Indian Institute of World Culture in Bengaluru is still strong
Venkatesh says, “Gandhi is so recognizable with his spectacles and walking stick that even a few imaginative strokes are enough for most people and even children to understand who is being portrayed.”
According to VG Narendra, Managing Trustee of the Indian Institute of Cartoonists (IIC), “Gandhi is a universal name who has inspired not only generations of politicians, but also artists and cartoonists around the world. He has left behind a deep legacy and his life will continue to impact generations to come. One of the goals of this exhibition is to present him in a memorable way to today’s generation.”
Narendra says he has been overwhelmed by the response from cartoonists around the world to his request for images for the show, especially the Egyptian Cartoon Group. “Fawzi Morsi, one of the founders of Egyptian cartoons and a cartoonist himself, was quite enthusiastic. For the past three years, he has been organizing Gandhi caricature shows in Cairo, which have been inaugurated by Indian ambassadors posted there.”
Thanks to their collaboration with cartoonists around the world, the IIC team was able to collect and compile caricatures for the show. Artists from about 24 countries including India have contributed to the exhibition, in which cartoonists from 25 states of the country have given their presentations.
Most of the images on display are in black and white, says Venkatesh, “because they best highlight the strokes and nuances of the image.”
Apart from these, historical and rare editorial cartoons of RK Laxman, Abu Abraham, NK Ranganath (popularly known as Ranga) and others will also be displayed.
Venkatesh says, “Even though these artists have depicted different aspects of Gandhi and his expressions, I believe the most popular in India are Ranga’s renditions. A lot of posters and publicity material around Gandhi use his work because he is so iconic.”
Although the exhibition will end by January 22, programs and exhibitions have been scheduled to commemorate Republic Day and Martyrs’ Day at the Indian Institute of World Culture.
An exhibition of caricatures made on Gandhi will remain open at the Indian Institute of World Culture till January 22. Entry free, closed on Mondays.
published – January 13, 2026 09:47 PM IST