Cartoon is one of the oldest and boldest artistic genres for speaking truth to power. In India, however, cartoonists, in the news media and outside, are under pressure to curtail their free speech and not annoy the powerful as the finest of them are wont to do. They are being censored or compelled to self-censor. This weekly Newslaundry column by editorial cartoonist Manjul is an effort to beat back the tide.

We want to revive the fading tradition of political commentary through cartoons, a medium that today more than ever needs to be rewarded and not censored. So Sketchy is a step in that direction. We want to do much more. We are counting on your support. Subscribe now.