PM, Vice Prez, Sonia condole Laxman's death

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Congress President Sonia Gandhi today paid rich tributes to legendary cartoonist R K Laxman, who died in Pune.
"India will miss you RK Laxman. We are grateful to you for adding the much needed humour in our lives & always bringing smiles on our faces.
"My condolences to the family & countless well-wishers of a legend whose demise leaves a major void in our lives. RIP RK Laxman," the Prime Minister tweeted.
In his condolence message, Ansari said Laxman, best known as the creator of the "common man", touched the lives of millions of our countrymen by his incisive humour and socially relevant messages expressed through his immensely popular cartoons.

"I am deeply saddened at the passing away of Laxman, the most eminent cartoonist of our country in recent times.
"I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to bear with their loss," the Vice President said.

In her message, Gandhi expressed "deep sadness" at the passing away of Laxman.
Describing his death as the passing away of an institution, she said that Laxman's "Common Man", for more than one generation represented India and served as the conscience keeper of the establishment.
"Laxman was an intellectual giant who will be missed for decades to come and will serve as an inspiration to many," she said.

Condoling Laxman's death, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said, "Through his cartoons he held up a mirror to society - making us laugh at ourselves, while putting the concern of the common man at the forefront.
"One of the most incisive observers and commentators of post independence India, his loss will be mourned by the whole nation."
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said "the man who made us laugh has left us in tears.