You said it

The common man wore a checked shirt and a dhoti, and for six decades, from 1951 to 2003.  R. K. Laxman punctured political egos, took potshots at the pompous and set the tone of discourse as tens of thousands of his readers reacted to the "You said it" cartoon every day. To call Laxman, who died on Sunday, the pre-eminent cartoonist in the country would be to present an incomplete sketch. He was much more than that - he was our conscience keeper who seemed to catch the mood of the common man he gave a face to so effortlessly.  He was the man whose sharp satire and sure lines made millions chuckle. Even as they liked his healthy irreverence, they also reflected on what was highlighted. He fought against corruption, sloth and pretension, all with equal verve, through the cartoons he drew.  

The cartoonist in Laxman was exacting and discriminating in what he drew. Something also needs to be said for the reaction of the leaders who were his subjects - they had the sense enough to laugh at themselves. Somehow there has been a decrease in the level of tolerance in public discourse these days. This is unfortunate, since it is depriving us of the essential breath of fresh air that critics and cartoonists provide. The common man deserves a Laxman, and we will miss the perspective that his uncommon satire provided.