Creator of “Common Man”, cartoonist R.K. Laxman dies

Photo: Sadanand Godse/Times Of India

Legendary cartoonist, the man who immortalized “the Common Man”, Padma Vibhushan R.K. Laxman passed away at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Mumbai. He was 93.

One of most popular cartoonist of Indian literary history, Laxman, had been suffering from urinary tract infection and kidney failure. He died of a cardiac arrest last evening.

“Unfortunately, his condition started rapidly deteriorating in the last 24 hours and he failed to respond to the ongoing therapies made to improve his multi-organ dysfunction,” said Dr. Sameer Jog.

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tweeted, “India will miss you R.K. Laxman. We are grateful to you for adding the much needed humour in our lives & always bringing smiles on our faces.”

“We have lost a truly uncommon cartoonist who gave a new dimension to caricaturing in India,” said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The government has announced state funeral for Laxman.

Laxman was born in Mysore in 1921. It is his sheer geniusness that despite having no formal training in cartooning he emerged as the best ever caricaturist in post-independence era. He had been received many awards including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Magsaysay Award.

May god rest his soul in peace!

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“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!