Silver Jubilee of “Haryana ke Lalon ke Sabrange Kisse”: English Edition Planned as Justice P. B. Sawant Praised Its Political Satire

Gustakhi Maaf Haryana – Pawan Kumar Bansal

“Politicians should cultivate tolerating innocent sense of humour.” — Justice P. B. Sawant, Ex-Chairman, Press Council of India.

Twenty-eight years back, while releasing my book on politics, governance and culture of Haryana titled “Haryana ke Lalon ke Sabrange Kisse,” Justice P. B. Sawant, then Chairman of the Press Council of India and President of the World Association of Press Councils, urged people and politicians to cultivate a sense of humour and harbour no rancour with writers.

The book, anecdotal in structure, highlighted Haryana’s politics of defection, the Aaya Ram Gaya Ram phenomenon, floor crossings and Bharat Darshan, besides the decisive role of Haryanvi politicians in national politics, including the ouster of Rajiv Gandhi, Chander Shekhar, V. P. Singh and Morarji Desai from power.

Justice Sawant commented that the antics, idiosyncrasies and foibles referred to in the book are typical of politicians who often use their power to serve themselves and their near and dear ones. He wrote that by bringing out the book, the author has served a public cause besides adding to the literature on political satire. Justice Sawant also mentioned that the book, together with the cartoons printed in it, makes amusing and interesting reading.

Justice Sawant’s comments motivated me to author two more books, namely “Tips for Investigative Journalism” and “Gustakhi Maaf Haryana.” I am now working on my fourth book, “Humour in Khakhi,” covering major incidents of the last fifty years of Haryana Police.

Eminent writer Khushwant Singh and cricketer Kapil Dev have also appreciated the book. Narendra Gehlot drew the cartoons in the book. Narendra is now the owner of India Bulls.

Tailpiece: Now, on the occasion of its silver jubilee, the book is planned to be published in English. Moreover, when the book was first published, only three “Lals” — Bansi Lal, Devi Lal and Bhajan Lal — were calling the shots and Manohar Lal was nowhere in the picture. Now, the book will cover him as well.

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