Gandhi - through the eyes of Egyptian cartoonists

A 'Gandhi Through The Eyes of Egyptian Cartoonists' exhibition that opens here Sunday will present a captivating selection of caricatures on Mahatma Gandhi by prominent artists of the Egyptian Caricature Society, the Indian embassy said.

In their works, "the artists use a variety of techniques - drawing in pencil, chalk, pen, ink, and even experimenting with conceptual photography - and demonstrate Gandhi's depth through their pictorial, thoughtful and at times satirical approaches", an embassy statement said.

The artists include Adham Lotfy, Emad Abdel Makksoud, Fawzi Mourssy, Mohamed Effat, Taha Hussien, Saad Al Saadawy, Khader Hassan, Omer Sadeek, Gehad Awartany and Khaled Al Merssafy.

The exhibition, which will run till October 15, is a joint effort by the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), the Indian embassy and the Egyptian Caricature Society.

"It is a great privilege for MACIC to celebrate Bapu's birthday. Gandhi's message is as relevant today as it was in his lifetime. He started promotion of satyagraha, insistence on truth or philosophy of non-violent resistance in South Africa; it was the main plank of India's freedom struggle and it has continued to inspire people, societies and nations. While there are many differences between and within societies, Gandhi's message of peaceful and non-violent resistance and of tolerance is the best way to bridge the differences," the statement said.

Established in 1982 and operating under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, MACIC presents India's cultural riches to the people of Cairo. The Centre offers the best of India through its extensive library, exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, seminars, and yoga, dance, and cooking classes aimed at bringing Indian culture closer to Egyptian audiences.