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Making all of us Smile

This year's (2007) CNN-IBN channel's Life Time Achievement Award was given to the most uncommon Man - the Mysore born Rasipuram Krishnaswamy LAXMAN, whose common man has held a mirror to the birth, rise and growth of a nation on the front page of The Times of India for well over 50 years now through “You Said It“.

The adjectives flowed freely, and for once unquestionably justly, as Laxman, now bound to a wheelchair after a paralytic stroke three years ago, was ushered in on stage. “For a lifetime of contributions to society, for a lifetime of achievements,” said anchors Vidya Shankar Aiyar and Suhasini Haider.

But when the citation was read, the 84-year-old Laxman bawled like a baby as former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and vice-president Hamid Ansari joined the audience in standing and saluting a common man who has become uncommon in modern India.

“For being one of the most incisive observers of post-independence India; for making millions of Indians smile every single morning for over 60 years; and for giving the common man of this country, a face, a voice, an identity and a consistent presence and importance in every aspect of our lives.”

I join the multitude of millions of Indians who have smiled, laughed, and enjoyed RK Laxman's "You Said It" for many years. Thank you Mr RK Laxman.

He is one of the reasons for me to opt for Times of India whenever it is launched from Chennai.

Rajappa
12.00 noon on 3 Feb 2008

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