Sardar jokes

There are historical facts about the 12 O'clock time; paradoxically used to make fun of the Sikhs (apropos Fali Nariman's communication referred to in Kaffeeklatsch). Nadir Shah was an insane criminal despite being an able general. His soldiers were freebooters and rapists. On his conquest from Lahore to Delhi, Nadir Shah enslaved thousands of girls and boys. The Sikhs challenged his authority. Sardars of various Sikh bands announced that Khalsa would ensure safe return of women. Every third 'pahar' of the day (midday) the sound of 'Nagaras' meant the valiant Sikhs had liberated the women and so the people would gather at a point to claim their daughters and possessions. The supposed joke is an irony and in fact a connotation of the heroic past of the Sikhs. 

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Bir Devinder Singh, Patiala

II

Kaffeeklatsch brings to the fore the recent public debate on community-based jokes. Jokes contain multi-faceted truths, far more revealing about their user than the intended target. Justice Kuldip Singh (Retd), a sensitive judge, amply understands the ways of the world, its prejudices and varied effects on targets. Given the history of the Sikhs, fortitude and sense of humour evidenced by a capacity of a loud, hearty laugh, the effect is a by-product of a historical experience. 

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala 

Violent society?

We all have a bit of responsibility in Dr Narang's violent death (Why are we becoming a violent society?) The way our society has become insensitive to such brutal killings shows that we have become psychologically prone to accept such tragedies. Anthony Marra rightly says: "The future is the lie with which we justify the brutality of the present."

Makshi Manishika (Kangoo), Nadaun

Editors’ loyalty

There is no denying the fact that there was a time when outstanding editors shaped their papers and the way the country thought about its problems and its future. It is very right to say that an editor should owe his primary loyalty to the public and to the readers. 

Satish Sharma, Kaithal 

Calling Alpha, Bravo,Charlie...

The armed forces need to brainstorm on the important issue for collective approach rather than individualistic actions. The individual actions of forces may be effective during hostile periods, but the collective and area-oriented approach will bring about better results. 

Wg Cdr Jasbir Singh Minhas (retd.), Mohali

II

The demand for Chief of Defence Staff is very much practical. The Ministry of Defence must look into how to put in place the recommendations of periodic review committees.

A Latawa, via email

Chroniclers of catastrophe

A memorial or a museum covering the entire gamut of events of the Partition will definitely serve as a tribute to the memory of those who perished. Memorials and museums are monuments of historical importance providing an opportunity for pragmatic introspection.

BM Singh, Amritsar

Bedouin lilt

Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar are immortal. The reason is their simplicity and truthfulness, despite honest differences. Rafi did his job well and is arguably the Hindi film industry's most versatile playback singer.

Mahesh Kumar, New Delhi

Riparian rights 

'Respect riparian rights. See Seoul' rightly blames our shortsighted politicians for their inability to settle the SYL share. The dispute led to loss of many lives. The article makes a point for the Punjabis.

Inderjeet Singh Banwait via email

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