RK Laxman

Cartoonist, Ramon Magsaysay Award 1984

Born: 24th October 1921, Mysore

Died: 26th January 2015, Pune

The Common Man 'keepsake'

CapMagnets from CapsToKeep

"The Common Man" and "You Said It" brought us daily smiles while we were growing up. So when we heard about The Times of India's release of a compilation of RK Laxman's work "50 years of Independence through the eyes of RK Laxman" (1998), three of us from my workplace Mode Research, Mumbai pre-ordered our copies. My plan was to gift a copy to my grandfather, who was already 90 years by then, and who was really a real life Common Man.

I found RK Laxman's address and wrote him a letter, telling him of my intention and also about how much I was enjoying the book. I also asked if he would autograph the book. To increase chances of a reply, I enclosed a self-addressed stamped envelope. I was delighted to receive a letter from RK Laxman, on The Times of India Group letterhead. He did not forget about the book I was gifting my g'dad - the letter was accompanied by an autographed strip to put in the book! It is quite likely that in those days, if I had taken the effort to make a trip to the TOI office at DN Road in Mumbai, I could have met the gentleman and got the book personally signed.

Click on the image to enlarge

RK Laxman used my self-addressed envelope to reply.

The postal cancellation of the affixed stamps is not like the usual. It is a simple cross in purple ink.

RK Laxman with Abdul Kalam, at an exhibition

(Pic: Wikimedia Commons)

The Common Man at Worli Seaface, Mumbai (Pic:Dec 2015)