Even in school, I evinced special interest in the cartoons of the legendary R.K. Laxman that were published in Blitz , the Illustrated Weekly of India and The Times of India (“ > He said it with wit and irony ,” Jan.27). They were the reflections of the nation’s conscience-keeper, generally critical of the policies of the government against the interests of the common man. It is remarkable that the cartoons silently exposed the follies of Ministers and politicians.
D. Sethuraman,
Chennai
An oak has fallen. R.K. Laxman was undoubtedly India’s David Low. I still remember the day, on August 11, 1978, in Madras, when in 10 seconds each he drew the caricatures of 12 political leaders and followed it up with a lecture. The meeting was organised by the Indian Society for Training and Management.
R.S. Rajan,
Chennai
With his deft strokes, lines and accurate words, R.K. Laxman precisely identified the chinks in the armour of politicians and highlighted them with wit. His reflections on the apathy and helplessness of the common man were what made the so-called educated class and the elite squirm. He made us ponder over societal issues, dogmas and the ironies in our democracy.
Nirmala Varma,
Kochi
Every politician should consider himself fortunate to have had his caricature portrayed by the illustrious cartoonist. He was a god-gifted personality.
Rohini Tata,
Hyderabad
R.K. Laxman was the creator of simple things that had a deep impact on the realities of the world. His Common Man was our representative who awakened leaders busy making “important decisions” within Parliament. We need to look at his cartoons afresh as each piece not only projects contemporary society but also sends out a message that “nothing has changed.”
Mona Mendonsa,
Mangaluru
I recall two of his cartoons — when Pandit Nehru was awarded the Bharat Ratna, a Laxman cartoon showed a sober Nehru with his trademark rose on his coat, with the caption, “at last his services have been recognised”. Another one had a politician answering questions from his audience in an election rally. When asked what he would do if he was elected, he replies: “Oh that does not bother me at all. What I am worried is what I will do if I am not elected!”
N.H. Ramachandran,
New Delhi
He never humiliated anyone in his depictions. One remembers two of his cartoons, of a visitor to a government department approaching the enquiry counter wanting to know where to pay a bribe. We are still fighting this evil, without much success. The second is of the common man being appreciated by scientists for his ability to live without air, water, food and shelter!
C.R. Ananthanarayanan,
Bengaluru
R.K. Laxman entertained us for decades with his rib-tickling and thought provoking political cartoons. He was not a head of a state, but many heads of states respected him for his biting sarcasm. He was not a politician, yet politicians loved him for his clean political criticism. Will there by another Laxman?
M. Somasekhar Prasad,
Badvel
Being in the advertising media for almost 30 years in Mumbai, I used to visit the Times of India office practically every day and come face-to-face with R.K. Laxman. There were numerous occasions when I could have had a chat with him but he was by nature very serious natured and I was a bit scared to approach him. Every “common man” will miss him forever.
Vinayachandran K.T.,
Kochi
As is my wont in getting in touch with personalities all over the world, I wrote to R.K. Laxman back in 1984 when he won the Magsaysay. Pat came the reply: “Many thanks for your letter congratulating me on my getting the Magsaysay Award. I am sorry for the delay in acknowledging your kind letter. With regards, R.K.L.” Incidentally, when I wrote to his equally famous brother, R.K. Narayan, on his arresting article on the “Post Card” which appeared in The Hindu , he was kind enough to reply immediately: “I am thoroughly delighted to receive your letter dated 18th May, appreciating my write-up, ‘Post Card’. I am happy that you have a lot of books in your mini library and you enjoy your spare time in reading the books. I am sorry to say that I don’t have any cartoon of myself by my brother Laxman. With all respects. RKN.”
Mani Natarajan,
Chennai
