India’s most celebrated cartoonist, Rasipuram Krishnaswamy Iyer Laxman, better known as RK Laxman, was born on October 24, 1921 in Mysore. Ever since he was a child, he was fascinated with drawing doodles and immersed himself in illustrations there in magazines and newspapers
RK Laxman created the iconic ‘Common Man’ in an effort to comment on chaotic day-to-day instances from the lives of thousands of Indians.
“I drew objects that caught my eye outside the window of my room – the dry twigs, leaves and lizard-like creatures crawling about, the servant chopping firewood and, of course, and number of crows in various postures on the rooftops of the buildings opposite”
Laxman was honoured with The Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1984 in the category Journalism, Literature, and the Creative Communication Arts (JLCCA) and in 2005, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honour
The Legendary cartoonist, R K Laxman died of a cardiac arrest when he was 93.
For over five decades from 1951, each day Laxman won over his readers’ hearts, regaled them with his wit and yet left them with something to introspect.
Here are some of his most popular cartoons that are still relevant
India before and after elections
In this cartoon, Laxman shares the state of India, before and after elections. Although it was published in the 70s, the theme is still relevant. The apathy of the Common Man, who is promised heaven during the elections is totally ignored once the elections are over.
Even a beggar is ready to donate in India when there is a need!
This cartoon reminds of the tragic time when Southern states Kerala and Karnataka were severely hit with floods, the entire nation extent helping hand in their possible capabilities
Harsh conditions to survive! The cartoon is certainly a warning to tackle the struggles arriving simultaneously at our door steps in our hectic lives
Laxman illustrated the present state of banks back in 70s and 80s
Indian economy has seen persistent inflation
This Laxman’s cartoon is uncannily relevant, when inflation has affected the Common Man the most.
Déjà vu? Looks like Laxman predicted Padmaavat controversy decades back
Laxman said it long back! Sportsmen are seen more in TV commercials than on playgrounds
Years ago only, he warned us of horrible traffic conditions
R K Laxman was so apt even decades back in predicting the horrible traffic conditions are generation will face.
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