R K Laxman to pick caricature contest winners

MUMBAI: If you are one of those who spend their time drawing their teacher's caricature in class while the lecture is on, this contest might be of great interest to you. What more, you might actually get the opportunity to meet R K Laxman, often known as India's greatest cartoonist.
The Times Cartoon Contest for budding cartoonists in the city has been organised as part of Times of India's Mumbai For Kids initiative.Here, not only will your work be appreciated by a select set of judges, but the final winners will be selected by the legendary R K Laxman himself. These winners will finally get a chance to interact with him.
On January 14, all those registered will assemble at the JJ School of Arts for an on the spot 'cartoon making' competition where students will be given two hours time to finish their work. Once done, judges will go through the work submitted by students and a set of the selected work will be sent to R K Laxman for the final screening. "R K Laxman will choose the final three winners based on the innovativeness and creativity of the cartoon submitted," said Usha Laxman, R K Laxman's daughter-in-law.
Prof G Waghmare, dean of the JJ Institute of Applied Arts was thrilled to be a part of this contest. "Not only will student get a chance to show their skills to professionals, they will also get first hand experience of the ambience of an art school. Hopefully, this will encourage more students to take art seriously," he said. He also added that since very few children are aware of the opportunities that awaits them in this field, this contest will be a good approach to get them familiarised with this concept.
R K Laxman's family said he was looking forward to the event. "He is very excited about meeting children who are interested in drawing cartoons and has already told us that more the children, merrier it will be for him," said Usha Laxman. She also added that since he loves children, he is very happy to be part of this initiative.
To register, SMS TOIKIDSNameAge to 58888. The Times of India will be holding this contest at the JJ School of Arts premises on January 14 between 10 am and 12 noon. The age group for candidates will be restricted between 8 and 18 years only.