Biography of Sumit Kumar: Founder & CEO of Bakarmax- Entrepreneur
Biography of Sumit Kumar:
From Engineering to Art: The Early Days
Sumit Kumar's academic journey began with a Bachelor’s
degree in Computer Science Engineering from Guru Nanak Dev University, which he
completed from 2004 to 2009. His background in engineering provided him with a
unique perspective on creativity and technology, blending technical skills with
artistic expression. Growing up in India, he was always passionate about comics
and storytelling, which eventually led him to pursue a career in this field.
The Comic Con Adventure
After finishing his degree, Sumit took a significant step in
his career by joining the team behind India’s first Comic Con. As an event
manager, he was instrumental in organizing the convention, booking exhibitors,
and planning various aspects of the event. This experience deepened his love
for comics and pop culture, allowing him to connect with fellow enthusiasts and
industry professionals.
Freelancing in the Creative Space
After his stint with Comic Con India, Sumit ventured into
freelancing as a cartoonist. From 2011 to 2014, he worked on various projects,
creating comics that tackled Indian political history through humor. His work
during this time included contributions to Newslaundry, where he produced
webcomics that presented complex political narratives in an engaging and
accessible way.
A Journey into Digital Media
In 2014, seeking new challenges, Sumit joined MSLGROUP India
as a manager of planning. This role marked a turning point in his career as he
shifted his focus to digital media. During his two years there, he honed his
skills in data research and campaign planning, learning about the intricacies
of digital advertising while still nurturing his passion for cartooning and
comics on the side.
The Birth of Bakarmax
In June 2016, Sumit made the bold decision to found
Bakarmax, a unique webcomic platform. The goal was to create a space where
humor and animation could intersect with business ventures. With Bakarmax, he
aimed to engage audiences through relatable comics that comment on everyday
life and societal issues while fostering a community for aspiring cartoonists.
Creating Political Commentary
Sumit’s journey in cartooning took a more political turn as
he authored graphic novels like Kashmir Ki Kahani and Amar Bari Tomar Bari
Naxalbari. These works not only entertained but also educated readers about
significant events in Indian history, using humor as a tool for deeper
understanding. His approach was to make complex topics accessible and
relatable, encouraging discussions around political narratives.
Recognition and Cult Following
His graphic novel The Itch You Can’t Scratch, which captures
his life story, gained a cult following and was launched at Comic Con India.
This success affirmed Sumit’s belief in the power of storytelling through
comics and established him as a notable figure in the Indian comic scene. His
work resonated with readers, bridging the gap between art and social
commentary.
The Role of Humor in Society
At Bakarmax, Sumit emphasizes the importance of humor in
addressing sensitive topics. He believes that laughter can open doors to
discussions that might otherwise be uncomfortable. This philosophy is evident
in his animated sketches, such as the Dalit Card, which humorously critiques
caste-related prejudices while raising awareness about social issues.
The Challenge of Balancing Passion and Profession
As an entrepreneur, Sumit faced the challenge of balancing
his passion for cartooning with the realities of running a business. There were
moments when he felt overwhelmed and questioned his path. However, his love for
comics and the support from his community motivated him to persevere and keep
Bakarmax thriving.
Biography of Sumit Kumar: Founder & CEO of Bakarmax- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/merging humor with societal commentary/Bakarmax story
Collaborating with Aspiring Artists
Bakarmax is not just a platform for Sumit; it also serves as
a launchpad for aspiring artists and cartoonists. By providing a space for
others to share their work, he encourages collaboration and creativity within
the community. This nurturing environment helps emerging talent find their
voice and gain visibility in the industry.
A New Animated Show: Aapki Poojita
Sumit is currently gearing up for the pre-production of his
animated show Aapki Poojita, touted as India’s first animated series for
adults. This project reflects his innovative spirit and his commitment to
pushing boundaries in Indian animation. The show satirizes societal norms
around the concept of a ‘good girl’, further showcasing his ability to blend
humor with critical commentary.
Learning Through History
Through his research for his political comics, Sumit
developed a newfound appreciation for Indian history. He realized that many
people, including himself, often lacked a comprehensive understanding of the
events that shaped the nation. His work aimed to bridge this gap by presenting
history through engaging narratives, making it relatable to contemporary
audiences.
The Influence of Comic Con on His Career
Reflecting on his journey, Sumit acknowledges the
significant impact Comic Con India had on his career. The event not only fueled
his passion for comics but also provided him with a platform to showcase his
work and connect with other creators. He feels honored to have contributed to
its growth and to witness the evolution of the comic community in India.
The Power of Feedback and Community
At Bakarmax, Sumit values the importance of feedback and
community engagement. He actively seeks input from his audience and fellow
creators, believing that collaboration enriches the creative process. This
openness to dialogue has been instrumental in refining his work and ensuring
that it resonates with the audience.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
As Bakarmax continues to grow, Sumit Kumar remains committed
to his vision of using humor and storytelling to tackle relevant social issues.
With upcoming projects like Aapki Poojita, he aims to push the boundaries of
Indian animation and create meaningful content that entertains and informs.
Sumit’s journey reflects his resilience and passion for his craft, inspiring
others in the world of comics and beyond.
A timeline for Sumit Kumar's journey:
2004-2009: Completed a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science
Engineering at Guru Nanak Dev University.
2010: Joined the team for India’s first Comic Con as an
event manager, deepening his connection to comics.
2011-2014: Freelanced as a cartoonist, creating political
webcomics for Newslaundry.
2014-2016: Worked at MSLGROUP India, focusing on digital
media and campaign planning.
June 2016: Founded Bakarmax, a webcomic platform merging
humor with societal commentary.
2016-2018: Authored graphic novels like Kashmir Ki Kahani
and Amar Bari Tomar Bari Naxalbari, blending entertainment with political
education.
2018: Released The Itch You Can’t Scratch, gaining a cult
following at Comic Con India.
2023: Announced pre-production of Aapki Poojita, India’s
first animated series for adults, satirizing societal norms.
2024: Continues to support aspiring artists through Bakarmax
and engages with the community for feedback and collaboration.
