Grapevine is abuzz with reports that Punjab state Vigilance is keeping an eye on who is receiving gifts from whom this Diwali. The state’s bureaucracy is, therefore, vigilant and jittery about receiving these greetings in kind from their well wishers. In fact, gifts are slightly out of favour this festive season. The overall gloom in the economy isn’t making people very happy and at a time when companies are struggling to pay salaries, shelving out money for expensive gifts is a tall order. The gift exchange custom received a further jolt when two ministers of the state cabinet, Manpreet Badal and Laxmi Kanta Chawla ‘appealed’ to their officers, to not to accept gifts. Popular politiciansSardonic wit of former Punjab DGP KPS Gill was at display again at a recent press interaction. When asked as to why has he given such a difficult Persian (Tehrek-e-Watan- Parastan) name to his new found organisation, he replied that these days, the mere mention of Persian names conjures up images of terrorist organisations, so he wanted something positive to be associated with it. Similarly, while contrasting the famous politicians of the past with those of the present, he said, “Men like Nehru were illustrious and enjoyed a lot of popularity. Today’s politicians are also popular albeit in a different manner. They are so popular that the mere mention of their names provokes spontaneous laughter from us.” Not bygone yet.Garrulous commentator Ravi Shastri committed a faux pas during the presentation ceremony which followed Indian team’s victory over the Australians in the recently concluded test match at Mohali. While welcoming General SF Rodrigues (Retd), Shastri described him as ex-Governor of Punjab. The realisation dawned upon him soon enough and Shastri apologised at the end of the ceremony by admitting to his inadvertent error. Christmas in buses On the face of it, there are hardly any similarities between a bus conductor and a Santa Claus. But these days, bus conductors are distributing toffees just like Saint Nicholas. But this disbursement isn’t goaded by some festive spirit. It has to do with the same privation that till now afflicted the corner kirana shop i.e. paucity of coins. Either the low denomination coins are in abysmally short supply or our transport corporations have entered into some synergy with confectionery companies, passengers inevitably get toffees. The time is certainly ripe for an elaborate freakonomic research- Affect of sales on confectionery companies in India due to low circulation of coins by the RBI. Ageless wonder They say a woman is as old as she looks and a man is as old as he feels. But what about the age of a client who is being represented by a geriatric but unprepared advocate in front of a stern judge? Sample this — During the recent proceedings in one of the cases, where an old advocate was seeking acquittal for an accused charged with murder, the judge asked him about his age. The confused advocated mumbled a reply, “30, 35, 40, 50, 55.My Lord”. A visibly irritated judge snapped, “ I did not ask the age of his entire family”. The mortified advocate came up with another gem, “I meant he must be between 30 to 55 years old My Lord.” To which, the judge replied, “ Your client seems to have taken a rebirth after this murder”.Festivals forever Government employees in the tricity are having a blast with the month of October filled with festivals which essentially means a long spell of holidays. While there are some who haven’t returned to office since Karva Chauth, there are others who are planning to enjoy a week-long Diwali. Some unlisted holidays have added to the festivity. Meanwhile, those visiting the offices for getting work done receive a standard reply — ab toh diwali ke baad hi saab milenge. Let the festive spirit thrive!
