Gustakhi Maaf Haryana: Pawan Kumar Bansal
Extracts from My Upcoming Book on the Wit and Humour of Haryana’s Politicians: "Chal Beta Bansi Lal"
Gustakhi Maaf Haryana: Pawan Kumar Bansal
Extracts from My Upcoming Book on the Wit and Humour of Haryana’s Politicians: “Chal Beta Bansi Lal”
In my upcoming book on the wit and humour of Haryana’s politicians, one of the most intriguing figures that stands out is the late Bansi Lal, a tough administrator and one of the architects of modern Haryana. The book, titled “Chal Beta Bansi Lal”, takes a light-hearted yet insightful look at the quirky incidents and anecdotes that defined his political career.
Bansi Lal, known for his no-nonsense approach to governance, was the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second time during a period when teachers in the state were protesting against his policies. Their frustration with the government escalated to the point where many of them were arrested. However, even the then Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, could not sway Bansi Lal’s ironclad resolve. His belief that teachers, if posted near their hometowns, would become too involved in local politics led him to implement a controversial policy—transferring teachers a minimum of 20 kilometers away from their home villages.
This move, though criticized, had its own humorous side. Teachers had to ride bicycles for hours every morning, traveling long distances to reach their schools. Despite the inconvenience, there was a silver lining in the form of a humorous chant that accompanied their grueling rides: “Chal beta Bansi Lal!” The phrase became synonymous with the grit and determination that Bansi Lal instilled in his governance, and it was often said in jest that Bansi Lal had “taught the teachers before they could teach Haryana.”
The book, originally written in Hindi twenty-five years ago, captures the wit and humour that surrounded Bansi Lal’s leadership, as well as that of other notable figures from Haryana’s political landscape. Politicians like Devi Lal, Bhajan Lal, and more recently, Manohar Lal, have all been known for their distinctive style of governance, often mixing seriousness with humor to diffuse tense situations.
This English version of the book aims to update these anecdotes, offering a new generation of readers a glimpse into the lighter side of Haryana’s political history. The book will be structured as a collection of anecdotes, showcasing not only the humour but also the sharp political acumen of these influential leaders.
As the book takes shape, I invite readers to share their inputs and suggestions for any untold stories or amusing anecdotes they might have experienced or heard regarding these legendary figures.
Stay tuned for a fun-filled journey through Haryana’s political history, where wit and governance go hand in hand!
Hindi book was appreciated by eminent Journalists Khushwant Singh,Parbhas Joshi and Kuldeep Nayar besides cricketer Kapil Dev and Justice PV Sawant then Press Council of India Chief. The Week magazine has reviewed the book”Pawan Kumar Bansal has breathed life into anecdotes of leaders of Haryana.Book will be of interest to all Hindi readers if they are not interested in Haryana or its Aaya Ram,s and Gaya Ram,. Author should come with English version so that English reading readers can also enjoy wit and humour of politicians of Haryana.Justice PB Sawant has commented “ By bringing out the book you have served a public cause besides adding to the literature on political satire.”Eminent author Khushwant Singh has commented “I enjoyed your wity compilations and it was vastly amusing though I read Hindi with great difficulty and you should come out with its English version.