Chronicler of Goa laid to rest

December 13, 2011: A man better known for inspiring laughter brought tears to the eyes of hundreds gathered to mourn the passing of the popular cartoonist celebrated for his images of the Indian state of Goa.
Mario Joao Carlos do Rosario de Britto Miranda, 85, died on December 11 and was cremated on Monday. Over 500 people gathered to pay their respects at the Saviour of the World Church near the state capital Panaji.
More than his ability to bring a smile to the faces of his audience, Miranda will be remembered for his classic images of Goa through caricatures and art works, his admirers said.
“Mario loved Goa, as his mother did, and wished [it] to remain the way it is. His caricatures expressed Mario’s inner feeling of love for Goa to remain as it was [when he lived here] and enjoyed by future generations,” said Fr Romualdo D’Souza during his funeral homily.
Fr Ivo concessao de Souza said: “Miranda showcased the culture of the state and brought into focus the marginalized communities, the realities of caste, gastronomy and architecture, and did not hesitate to feature priests.”
Architect Gerard da Cunha, Miranda’s chronicler and a devoted fan said priests were often central to the artist’s cartoons. “In his early days, the Catholic clergy was fodder for the cartoonist.”
“His drawings have a socio-economic status and historic background that narrate the whole story. Having the mastery of his craft, Miranda knew his subject very well,” said fellow artist Hanuman Kambli.
Among Miranda’s best-known images were the stereotypical buxom Anglo-Indian secretary (Miss Fonseca), Miss Nimbupani (lime water) and Catholic girl Petrification Pereira.
Miranda showcased his works in exhibitions in France, Portugal, Brazil and Macao, among other places. He also produced sketches life in New York, Israel and other cities in which he traveled.
The recipient of the Padma Bushan, an Indian civilian award, and many other national and international honors, Miranda first gained prominence with his cartoons for the Times of India and its sister publications, and in other Indian daily newspapers.