But seriously

Two persons were crossing a jungle in their car when a tiger took after them. Since the route was barely motorable, their speed could not de...

Two persons were crossing a jungle in their car when a tiger took after them. Since the route was barely motorable, their speed could not defeat the tiger. And then the driver got an idea, 8220;I switched on my right side indicator but I have taken a left turn to befool the beast,8221; he told his companion, 8220;I had to since I don8217;t have my gun!8221; 8220;You and your tricks!8221; the companion commented, 8220;you are so sure of tigers in this backward region being conversant with traffic rules!8221;

Chidambaram8217;s idea of a tax on bank withdrawals was a masterstroke which would have proved that the driver in the story had a finance minister8217;s ingenuity. Had the provision stood intact in the budget, one could look forward to plenty of amusing situations. One proposal was for example, to start a campaign to draw cheques for Rs 9990 ! Or, draw a cheque for Rs 9999.99 and force the mint to start production of single paisas.

Humour is advised as the best tonic, a fact borne out by the 8216;8216;Laughter Clubs8217;8217; in some of the cities8217; elite parks 8212; old fogeys convulsed, without a joke in sight. For me, it has been an aid in odd situations.

Before I agreed to 8216;8216;serve8217;8217; as the proverbial 8216;8216;white elephant8217;8217;, I had some idea of the ceremonial lamp-lightings, ribbon-cuttings and stone-layings etc. I would have to go through with all solemnity but I really was no game for addressing vice-chancellors and academicians, hi-fi science wizards, abstract artists and litterateurs, and even convicts.

Imagine my discomfiture now, on being made to preside over a function for literary awardees in Lucknow. Some kind words had been said about me to appease the scholars who could have felt slighted by being made to bow before an unheard of dunce!

The moment of my ordeal arrived. There I stood like an ignoramus at the mercy of hawks! 8220;Some mention was made of my literary quality8221;, I began, 8220;and it reminded one of a story of the good old days when touring drama-parties were the main source of entertainment for rural people. A job seeker appeared before the manager of such a drama group. 8216;8216;Have you any experience?8217;8217; he was asked. 8216;8216;Oh yes, plenty!8217;8217; he answered. 8216;8216;Tell me some plays you worked in8217;8217;, was the second query. 8216;8216;All types.8217;8217; 8216;8216;Mention a few8217;8217;, the manager persisted. 8216;8216;Well, if you don8217;t believe me8230; Laila Majnu, Baghdad Ka Chor, Hatim Tai8230; and8230;8217;8217;. 8216;8216;Well, well, what type of part did you specialise in?8217;8217; 8216;8216;Oh! My part was the same in every play. Pardah Uthao, Pardah Girao8230;8217;8217; Hardly dissimilar has been my contribution in the literary field8221;. The joke worked and I was at ease with the illustrious gathering for the rest of my formal address!