RIP, RK Laxman
One feels sad to read in the leading dailies that the the legendary cartoonist RK Laxman is no more. He embodied the hopes, aspirations and troubles of Indians for over half a century. He always cared for the plight of common man through his immortal cartoons. Though the Common Man character in his cartoons was always silent, the intended message was very loud and clear. RK Laxman will always be remembered for his early morning dose of laughter. His cartoons would bring a smile even on the faces of people who didn’t know to read or were in a hurry. If a picture is worth a thousand words ,a cartoon is worth a thousand pictures. The nation will definitely miss him. May his soul rest in peace.
TS Karthik
Chennai
A national treasure
RK Laxman was a unique cartoonist whose iconic Common Man was credited with capturing the quintessence of India, helping to make sense of what was happening around and enlivening the morning for millions of discerning reading public. Laxman’s peerless cartoons mirrored the colourful kaleidoscope of Indian politics and the fallibilities and follies of the typical Indian politician. His technique, applied effortlessly, of juxtaposing poverty and plight of the common people with the rampant corruption and nepotism in the political set-up lent an ironic dimension to our democracy. The underlying pathos beneath the veneer of amusement in his ‘powerful depictions’ intangibly influenced the way we looked at life around us. It is here worth noting that Laxman has not completely risen above his subjective prejudices and superficial perceptions. Some of his controversial cartoons, for instance the one on the anti-Hindi agitation in Tamil Nadu, betrayed his lack of understanding of certain situations and the causes that engendered them. The complete works of Laxman are a treasure to keep and behold for their refreshing aesthetics. As Rabindranath Tagore is to Indian literature and MF Hussein to Indian art, RK Laxman is to Indian cartooning. India’s beloved cartoonist, RK Laxman immortalized himself in his immortal creations and enriched our lives.
G David Milton
Maruthancode (Tamil Nadu)
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