I don't know about you but one of my very fond memories of younger days is, waiting for the newspaper man every day, sort out The Times Of India from the bundle of newspapers delivered at our home and dart towards a corner before any sibling or parent could reach me and regaling the iconic comic strip "You said it" by R.K. Laxman!
It was delicious addiction everybody in the house was consumed with and also a reason for many fights amidst the siblings while snatching the newspaper and being first to read the cartoon of the day. Days invariably started with Mr. R.K. Laxman's brilliant humour through his finest character of a "common man"- symbol of India's ordinary citizens, their concerns, joys, sorrows and frustrating helplessness. His "Common man" cut across all the categories and class and with whom everyone could relate so well! The uncanny perception of a common man and his hopes, dreams, aspirations, trials and tribulations, dashed with brilliant sarcasm easily conquered millions of hearts!
Mr. R.K. Laxman, India's most revered cartoonist/caricaturist passed away yesterday, leaving an indelible mark. His cartoons chronicled India's social life and political history in unique style. Mr. Laxman's genius was in compelling his readers to think through his astute ability to spot the real issues and convey the sentiments effortlessly without making the readers feel the burden of seriousness of the issues addressed in his cartoons. It served as great comic respite for most Indians from blurs of daily life laced with unique challenges of mundane life.
With Mr. R. K. Laxman's sad demise, we have not only lost a silent social reformer but also a great political, social conscious keeper. The great era of healthy, brilliant satire is over.
R.I.P Mr. R. K. Laxman! You were the most uncommon man India has ever known!
