Remembering Khuswant Singh eminent writer

Gustakhi Maaf Haryana – Pawan Kumar Bansal

Remembering eminent writer Khushwant Singh. Twenty-eight years back, he reviewed my book on politics, culture and governance in Haryana, “Haryana Ke Lalo Ke Sabrange Kisse.” He sent his review on a postcard, which remains my prized possession.

Khushwant Singh had certain connections with Haryana. He was one class junior to Hardwari Lal of Haryana at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Hardwari Lal used to invite him for whisky when he was the Vice-Chancellor of MDU Rohtak.

Khushwant Singh also reviewed a book by retired ADGP Rajbir Deshwal on the wit and humour of Haryana. During the Asian Games, when Haryana Police, under the directions of then Chief Minister Bhajan Lal, stopped people from going to Delhi via Haryana, Khushwant Singh bitterly commented:
“For Bhajan Lal and Haryana Police, every turban-wearing person is either an Akali or a terrorist.”

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