Cartoonist Narayan Debnath passes away at 97

New Delhi: Padma Shri Narayan Debnath died at a private hospital in Kolkata after a prolonged illness on Tuesday morning. He was 97. He was admitted to the private hospital on December 24 and was on ventilator support.

He has been also awarded with  Bangabibhsuan in 2013 and the Sahitya Academy Award.

Narayan Debnath was the creator of Bengali comic characters ‘Bantul The Great’, ‘Handa Bhonda’ and ‘Nonte Phonte’.

Narayan Debnath’s son, Tapas Debnath, said that ‘He was admitted in the hospital on December 24 with kidney and lung problems’.

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of noted cartoonist Narayan Debnath,”West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said in a statement.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said his passing has created an irreparable void in the world of cartoons. “I am deeply saddened by the demise of noted cartoonist Narayan Debnath,” Banerjee said in a statement.

Suvendu Adhikari, said Narayan Debnath’s legacy will always be cherished.

“Legendary cartoonist Narayan Debnath; creator of immortal fictional characters like ‘Batul the Great’, ‘Handa Bhonda’ & ‘Nante Fante’ has passed away. His legacy will always be cherished by children and grown ups alike. Condolences to family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.

Legendary cartoonist Narayan Debnath; creator of immortal fictional characters like 'Batul the Great', 'Handa Bhonda' & 'Nante Fante' has passed away.
His legacy will always be cherished by children and grown ups alike.
Condolences to family and countless admirers. Om Shanti ??

— Suvendu Adhikari • শুভেন্দু অধিকারী (@SuvenduWB) January 18, 2022