Common Man Tackles Corruption

From financial crises to the woes of householders from political instability to rampant corruption Laxman's cartoons capture the entire gamut of contemporary Indian experience. Hilarious and thought-provoking at the same time this is a treasure house of humour from one of the most striking voices commenting on Indian socio-political life today. 'For half a century the Times of India has thoughtfully provided an antidote to all the bad news brimming on its front pages. It's a sketch a single box inked by R.K. Laxman the country's sharpest cartoonist and political satirist. Each morning Laxman's frazzled character known as the Common Man confronts India's latest heartbreak with a kind of wry resignation. Meek doddering and with a moustache that bristles like an electrocuted mongoose he's a witness to everything scheming politicians rapacious bureaucrats and gossiping housewives. What's common about this character is that like most Indians he sees his country being forced through endless indignities by its leaders and yet doesn't even whimper in protest' -Time