24 October - R.K. Laxman birth anniversary

 

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Laxman, commonly known as R.K. Laxman, was one of India's most renowned and beloved cartoonists and humorists. He was born on 24 October 1921, in Mysore, India, and he passed away on 26 January 2015. R.K. Laxman is best known for his iconic and satirical cartoons that often depicted the socio-political and cultural landscape of India.

Key highlights about R.K. Laxman's life and work include:

1. Common Man: Laxman's most famous creation was the "Common Man," a character featured in his cartoons that represented the ordinary Indian citizen. The Common Man observed and commented on the various issues and challenges faced by the people of India.

2. The Times of India: For over five decades, Laxman worked as a cartoonist for "The Times of India," one of India's leading English-language newspapers. His daily cartoon strip, "You Said It," was immensely popular and enjoyed a wide readership.

3. Political and Social Satire: Laxman's cartoons were known for their sharp wit and humor, which often critiqued and commented on the political and social issues of the day. He had a unique ability to use humor to shed light on serious matters.

4. Awards and Recognition: Throughout his career, Laxman received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian journalism and art. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, two of India's highest civilian awards.

5. Books: Laxman was also a prolific author, writing several books that captured his experiences and observations, including "The Distorted Mirror" and "The Tunnel of Time."

6. Legacy: R.K. Laxman's work and the character of the Common Man continue to have a lasting impact on Indian journalism, art, and public discourse. He is remembered as an artist who used humor to hold a mirror to society.

R.K. Laxman's cartoons and the character of the Common Man remain iconic in Indian culture and have contributed significantly to the development of political and social satire in the country. His work has left a lasting imprint on the way India views its political and social issues.