Singh is King

Let us talk about our very own Banta Singh, who has been making you lose your wits since time immemorial. He is the cynosure of most of the jokes which people love to laugh at. People make fun of him in whatever he does. He is always scorned off by people as being stupid, funny and absent minded. But mind it; this is not the real picture of a Sardar.

If you think of any section of people in the world who have embraced life as whole heartedly as possible, they are the Sardars. Sikhs will be more correct politically, but that’s just a religious identity. To be a sardar is something different. He is vivacious and innocuous. Always full of life, enthusiasm and vitality, they live their life, king size. Everything related to a sardar is unconventional. The ability to laugh at one's identity and not feel any less proud about it is ‘Sardardom’ in my definition. And this ability is indeed applaud able. They have successfully made a genre for themselves in the joke world. They may be the laughing stock of the world, but they are so large hearted that when they tell jokes, they make themselves the subject rather than offending any other ethnic group. I have never seen a Sardar proving his superiority in front of our other self obsessed regional groups. What constitutes a sardar is something totally different. And I am beholden to them for this. Isn’t their zest for life remarkable? What matters is they have the mindset to take criticism in their stride and even turn it into something positive.

There is certain vividness in a Sardar’s character. It is not like that they always need to be fools. We have our most educated PM to date, in the robes of a sardar. The Sikhs are also the most migratory and successful community abroad. You will find a sardar in every nook and corner of the world. In Canada, they hold the greatest number of political and business posts. Punjab is the richest state in India, capita-wise. They are a sacrificial lot when it comes to fighting for their country. 80% of casualties during India’s independence were of Sikhs, despite being a mere 2% of the population. The Punjab regiment is the most award-winning and distinguished regiment in the Indian army. Bhangra is the most popular form of dance, full of pep and energy. You will find people tapping their feet to the music of a Punjabi song in all parts of the world. Their Gurudawaras are unbelievably organized and well maintained compared to our temples. Overall the Sikhs are extremely hard working, religious and humble souls. I have never seen a Sardar beggar in my life. This proves their social standing in society. The religious teachings of Sikhism are far more liberal and secular than anyone. Their ideology is all embracing.

When it comes to hospitality, they have no equals. Those who have been treated to a typical Punjabi hospitality will swear by my words that a sardar is a scintillating conversationist. He will make a complete stranger feel at home. Their magnanimous hearts can accommodate anyone and everyone. But at times he is prone to flattery. He is an epitome of love and trust.

Forgive me if I sound biased. To clarify, there is a huge difference between being a Sardar and a Punjabi. They are not necessarily the same. I am not a sardar but I do wish if I was born one. So the next time you hear a sardar joke, do not forget to have a word of cheer for their stoical spirit. These Singhs are indeed the Kings.