Governor of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, E.S.L. Narasimhan, wanted the art that cartoonist R.K. Laxman ceaselessly nurtured for almost five decades, to be continued.
At a memorial meeting organised by R.K. IPR Management and Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTAPCCI) here on Friday, he alternated between being witty and serious to convey his concern.
Witty caricatures
In his keynote address, he recalled dozens of caricatures and cartoons of R.K. Laxman. Behind all the wit that he generated, brightening the mornings of a large number of people, the Governor said there was a tone of seriousness with which he sought to convey the trials and tribulations of the ‘Common Man’, his legendary creation.
A sharp message
“Behind the laughter, there was a sharp, incisive message that he tried to convey, a lesson. I wish there were more like him. We could have been better off if his legacy was continued. I consider him a thinker, social reformer and a critic of errant politics who converted the common man’s rage into wit,” Mr. Narasimhan said.
Director of R.K. IPR Management, Usha Laxman, who is Laxman’s relative, made a presentation of R.K. Laxman’s cartoons on popular leaders, including 15 Prime Ministers of India starting from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi. She also presented a coffee table book of the cartoonist’s works titled Credibly Exaggerated , to Mr. Narasimhan.
Others who attended the event included FTAPCCI President Ravindra Modi, Senior Vice-President Gowra Srinivas and senior office-bearer Devendra Surana.
