The Young Chronicle: For 4th Graders January 31st, 2015 | Page 5

YOUNG CHRONICLE Editor’s Note on RK. Laxman Cartoonists have always been on the forefront of depicting what a society is all about. In fact, flipping through any chronological compilation of RK. Laxman’s work would give you a complete idea of what the nation has gone through, in the 50 years of his service. Born in Mysore, RK. Laxman’s background is very well depicted through his brother RK. Narayan’s books, ‘Swami and Friends’ and ‘Malgudi Days’. I would recommend you all grab a copy of it, to get a glimpse of where these stalwarts came from. RK. Laxman had 6 siblings and was the youngest amongst them. His father was a headmaster, and focused on their education. From the very beginning, illustrations in magazines, such as The Strand, Punch, Bystander etc. inspired him. He started drawing even before he could read. Laxman notes in his autobiography, The Tunnel of Time: “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” — R. K. Laxman Laxman was rejected at the JJ School of Arts, as the dean felt that his drawings were lacking. But that didn’t stop him from being a legend, and sharing his point of view in the form of politically satirical cartoons. Ultimately, Laxman graduated in arts from the University of Mysore, and created history with his legendary ‘Common Man’ What inspires me about RK. Laxman is his ability to bring humour even in the most dismal and disappointing situations faced by the nation, and the courage to mock the system, albeit subtly. Regards, Ritika Here’s a short poem on the common man: The common man watches, and analyses, Through corruption, and politics, and disasters, and mere stupidity. He humours himself and yet realises, He is still hoping for serendipity. He is just a bystander, Watching influential people decide his fate. He knows what’s happening, Yet cannot change the state. But little do people know, he isn’t just watching. He is making people think. He knows someone will raise a voice, Before the nation begins to stink.