Reviewed: Bantaism....the philosophy of sardar jokes

When I first got my hands on this book I was intrigued by the title-who names a book Bantaism?? The author’s name as well stood out for it’s uniqueness-Bhai Niranjan Singh ‘Amrikawale’ (from America). And then I read the author’s note. I always like to read that before beginning any novel for it gives me an insight into the writer’s mind & helps me enjoy the book better. Trust me Bantaism is one book that everyone should try!

Every one of us Indians has either read, heard, or cracked a joke on the famous Santa-Banta pair. Why, I’ve even come across an entire booklet filled with these Sardar jokes, as we call them. The very mention of ‘Sardar’ brings up an image of a jolly good fellow with a happy-go-lucky persona, indulging in very silly yet innocent behaviour bound to make its way into a joke book. But Bantaism is no ordinary collection of jokes. What you get here is a very unique insight into the underlying meaning & ‘moral’ of the joke. Yes, you read that right, the author has not only taken the pains of collecting a wide range of Sardar jokes, but he’s also added a well meaning note at the end of each one! You get to see the short anecdote in a whole new light & actually appreciate the wisdom of the Sardars!

The Sardars are one group of people who don’t mind laughing at themselves…& you get to see why. With all our sophistication & pretentions, we end up being hypocrites, trying to be smart & up one another. Take a look at these jokes & their inner implications and you’ll grow to love the naivety and  purity of life. Everything is so simple, why complicate life? I haven’t finished reading the book yet & neither am I in a hurry to do so. As the author suggests, take the book one page at a time. Every time I feel a bit down or need to refresh my mind, I grab this book & read a joke not just for the humour but also for the lesson that comes with it.

Bantaism may not make to the top literature-wise yet it’s a book you will want to read & re-read. And the best thing is you don’t need to bookmark any page! Flip the pages & feast on a grand Sardar saga any day any time! Plus people who claim reading isn’t their cuppa tea can also enjoy the 150 pages of fun. A god buy for the price, I’d give it 3.5/5.

Bantaism-the philosophy of sardar jokes

The book can be bought from Amazon.com & also Infibeam.com