R.K. Laxman’s line drawings bring Kuvempu’s poetry alive through ‘Laxmana Rekhe’

Mysore/Mysuru: A book featuring line drawings by legendary cartoonist R.K. Laxman, inspired by the poetry of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, was released at the B.M. Sri Auditorium of Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies (KIKS) at Manasagangothri recently.

Titled ‘Laxmana Rekhe,’ the book was released by Usha Laxman during a book release event and international seminar organised by KIKS in association with Poornachandra Kannada Cultural Study Centre, Kuvempu Chair in Poetry and Kannada Sangha of Maharaja’s College.

Speaking on the occasion, Tarini Chidananda Gowda said, Kuvempu’s poem ‘Kindari Jogi,’ though written nearly a century ago, had gained renewed appeal among children through Laxman’s line drawings.

Recalling her father’s admiration for Laxman’s cartoons and caricatures, Tarini said Poornachandra Tejaswi too had shown interest in caricature art after closely observing Laxman’s works. “Whenever people referred to him as a writer, he would fondly recall his roots in caricature art, though he eventually chose literature at the insistence of readers,” she said.

International artist M.S. Murthy said, Laxman’s line drawings reflected the conscience and emotions of the common man. “Art is a treasure trove and Laxman’s creations should not merely be seen as caricatures, but also as historical documents. The bond between poetry and visual art that existed nearly 50 years ago has now been revived through this book for the present generation,” he said.

Murthy observed that anyone reading Kuvempu’s ‘Kindari Jogi’ might wonder whether the illustrations had been drawn under the poet’s own guidance.

He described line strokes as the grammar of visual art and said, Laxman had used them satirically to capture the pulse, emotions, politics and social realities of different eras through the perspective of the common man.

However, Murthy also noted that Laxman’s creative brilliance had not fully reached Kannada audiences, making it necessary to bridge the gap between art, literature and public understanding.

Star of Mysore cartoonist and Fulbrighter M.V. Nagendra Babu also shared his views.

Former Kuvempu University Vice-Chancellor Dr. K. Chidananda Gowda, Prof. B.N. Sriram of Pustaka Prakashana, KIKS Director Prof. N.K. Lolakshi, Prof. Shashikala, Prasaranga Director Prof. Nanjaiah Honganur, Maharaja’s College Principal Prof. V. Shanmugam, Visiting Professor of Kuvempu Chair for Poetry Studies Dr. K.C. Shivareddy, singer Dr. Shwetha Madappadi and Assistant Professor                           S.L. Shyla were present.