India, Sept. 29 -- Maharashtra's minister for Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar, on Sunday announced that Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will establish a special academic chair in honour of legendary cartoonist SD Phadnis. The announcement, made during Shelar's visit to Phadnis' residence in Pune, marks a historic recognition of the centenarian's contribution to Indian caricature and satire.

Shelar, accompanied by BJP leader Rajesh Pandey and other officials, personally met Phadnis, who turned 100 earlier this year. On behalf of the state government, the minister presented him with a volume containing rare letters written by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolising the state's respect and admiration for the artist's legacy. Shelar...