Pune University to Establish Chair in the Name of Cartoonist SD Phadnis
Pune, 28th September 2025: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will soon establish a chair in the name of veteran cartoonist SD Phadnis, Cultural Affairs Minister of Maharashtra Ashish Shelar announced in Pune on Sunday.
Shelar, who is visiting Pune, met Phadnis at his residence to extend greetings on the occasion of the cartoonist completing 100 years of age.
On behalf of the government, he presented Phadnis with a book containing rare letters of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and wished him a long life. The minister also held discussions with Phadnis on his distinctive cartooning style and his century-long journey.
During the visit, BJP office bearer Rajesh Pande suggested that SPPU should set up a dedicated cartoon study centre named after Phadnis. Responding to the demand, Shelar immediately contacted Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, who approved the proposal.
Following the approval, Shelar formally announced that SPPU would establish a chair in the name of Phadnis, making the declaration from the cartoonist’s residence itself.
