Noted cartoonist Mario Miranda dies at 85

Noted cartoonist Mario Miranda passed away on Sunday at his residence near Panaji, sources close to his family said. He was 85.

Gerald D'Cunha, a family friend of Miranda, said the veteran cartoonist, who has worked with leading publications, died in his sleep.

Miranda would be "cremated" on Monday and not buried as per his wish, family sources said. He had expressed his wish to his wife that he should be cremated and not buried after his death, they said.

Father Bolmax Pereira, priest of Saviour of the World Church at Loutolim village, where Mario breathed his last, said the funeral mass would be held on Monday at 9:30 hours. "After observing the funeral mass, the body would be taken for cremation either in Panaji or Margao," he said, adding that cremation is not banned under Catholic faith.

The cartoonist, who was based in Loutolim village, was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, in 2002 and Padma Shri in 1988.

Miranda had also designed several books during his career and was known for his cartoons on Goan life, which received acclaim at the international level.