President Mukherjee condoles passing away of RK Laxman

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday condoled the passing away of eminent cartoonist R.K. Laxman, terming him a 'conscience keeper to the nation'.

"I am extremely saddened to learn about the passing away of RK Laxman. I feel personal loss because I was both an avid follower and subject of his cartoons. India will miss the genius who made the common man into a national icon. He conveyed important social messages using humour as a tool and reminded the public that people in authority are fallible and human," said President Mukherjee in his message.

"Honoured by the Government with a Padma Vibhushan, Laxman was a conscience keeper to the nation through his cartoons. His death leaves a void in the world of creativity and social commentary which will be difficult to fill," he added.

Laxman passed away in a Pune hospital on Monday. Earlier in the day, his body had been placed near the 'common man' statue at the Symbiosis Institute in Pune, with the funeral scheduled to be held at Vaikunth Crematorium in the city.

The 94-year-old was on a mechanical ventilator last week with his health taking a turn for the worse on Sunday, according to reports.

The legendary cartoonist had immortalized the hapless 'Common Man' with his devastating swipes at politicians.