The Young Chronicle: For Grade 3 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.

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.