Marathi version of Laxman’s cartoons published by Mehta Publications
NewZNew (Pune) : As a tribute to one of India’s iconic cartoonists Late Mr. R K Laxman, Mehta Publishing House and online book publisher Daily Hunt on Friday released the compilation of Laxman’s pocket cartoons ‘You Said It’ in the form of a book titled as ‘Kasa Bolalat’.
The book was released by luminaries like noted cartoonist Mangesh Tendulkar; Chancellor, Symbiosis International University Dr S B Mujumdar and Late R K Laxman’s wife Mrs Kamala Laxman, the translator of the book Mr. Avinash Bhome & Mr. Sunil Mehta MD Mehta Publishing House.
On the occasion, the publishers also organised ‘Best Cartoon’ contest, for which entries were invited from cartoonists all over Maharashtra. The theme was ‘Common man’.
Renowned cartoonist Mr. Mangesh Tendulkar judged the entries for the competition. Winner of the competition was Mr. Santosh Ghongade who won a cash prize of Rs 10,000, a certificate of appreciation and a memento, Second prize winner was Mr. Babu Ganjiwar and Third prize was bagged by Mr. Mahesh Bhavsar.
On this occasion Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan awardee and Chancellor, Symbiosis International University Dr S B Mujumdar said, “Laxman cartoons has been the voice of common man. He identified the social evils and portrayed them in his caricatures.”
Mr. Mangesh Tendulkar cartoonist paid tribute to R.K Laxman by calling the latter as his guru who inspired him to hold the brush in his hand to become the cartoonist. During his speech he requested Mr. Sunil Mehta for publishing R. K. Laxman’s caricatures of film stars “The star I never met” and the politicians”.
The cartoons which were shortlisted for the final selection process will be displayed in the book gallery of Mehta Publishing House. Also, these cartoons would get published in the monthly in-house journal of the company.
Sunil Mehta, managing Director, Mehta Publishing House, said “Publishing the Marathi version of R K Laxman’s cartoon collections is an important step towards introducing the iconic cartoonist and his work to the non-English readers. This would help a larger section of the society to understand the ethos of ‘Common Man’”.
He added “The silent voice of the common man was after all, our voice. India’s most iconic cartoonist decided years ago to say it and how? He created his unique space, giving us our daily food for thought, in his typical cutting style. Beyond the black and white of life, he covered various shades of grey with his unique humour,”.
K. Laxman’s cartoons lived in the hearts of Indians for over 25 years. All the sharp wit and healthy irreverence which make readers every morning turn first to the cartoons instead of the headlines, gave the common man a voice. ‘You Said It’ brought out the travails of daily life, while reflecting the times gone by.
Avinash Bhome the translator of the book Kasa Bolalat talked about the book and his experience of going through common man’s life”.