Mr. Laapataa

Each cartoon is drawn in several layers. Each layer builds on top of the previous. The result -- if achieved -- is all simplicity and elegance. Each subsequent layer hides away the details of its predecessor. In a sense, those who are interested in understanding the process that brings out a cartoon in all its glory stand to lose when the earlier layers sacrifice their life to hold up their successor layers. For the artistic minded, the beauty of a cartoon is not just in the final output, but also in the process that brings it out. I had always wanted to record my own process and progress during the making my cartoons. But something had always stopped me. The unwillingness to get distracted by the need to document was of course there. But more importantly, it was an unknown fear. Each cartoon is actually a shot in the dark -- as likely to miss its mark as to hit it. I would love to record (and show off) my success. But if it all ends in mud, I would rather want to forget it!

Beginning with this post, we will share cartoons depicting the reactions the idea of PhD often evokes from others. While, our research and PhD may be close to our heart, may even make us feel a bit proud at times, but perceptions held by others about it may often be quite different. They can be shocking and funny at the same time!