Humour
Shri Hurry Baboo & Nihang Singh Ji
by DIWAKAR PRASHAD
Shri Hurry Baboo, newly graduated from the Vishva Vidyalaya, corners the Nihang Singh and challenges him for a battle of wits. The latter, never averse to picking a fight, accepts.
Hurry Baboo tightens his dhoti and settles down comfortably, looking forward to having some fun.
Hurry Baboo asks the Nihang:
1 How long was the 100 Year War, Singh ji?
A) 116
B) 99
C) 100
D) 150
The Nihang Singh thinks for a few moments, and then softly says: "I will skip this one for the moment, please."
"Next question, then," exclaims the Baboo, smugly:
2 In which country are Panama hats made?
A) BRASIL
B) CHILE
C) PANAMA
D) ECUADOR
The Nihang Singh is quiet for a while. Then, he motions to the Baboo to move on.
"Okay, okay," smiles Hurry Baboo. "Here's another one!"
3 In which month do the Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
A) JANUARY
B) SEPTEMBER
C) OCTOBER
D) NOVEMBER
The Nihang Singh looks into the distance and then turns to the Baboo, who is beside himself in giggles, and has to fix his dhoti again.
"Okay, Singh Sahib. Here's another one ..."
4 Which of these was King George VI's first name?
A) EBERT
B) ALBERT
C) GEORGE
D) MANUEL
The Nihang Singh looks down and quietly plays with his rosary.
Hurry Baboo snorts a few giggles, and exclaims: "Here's one more!"
5 The Canary Islands, in the Pacific Ocean, has its name based on which animal:
A) CANARY BIRD
B) KANGAROO
C) PUPPY
D) RAT
The Nihang slowly shakes his head as he looks sadly at the Baboo, who keels over and breaks out into guffaws.
The Nihang gives him a couple of minutes while he finishes his own langar. Then, he gets up, wipes his hands clean on Hurry Baboo's dhoti, grabs the Baboo by his ears, sets him up straight on the stool, and says:
"Shri Hurry Baboo ji ... I don't know what they taught you at the vidyalaya, but here's what I learnt in the Gyani class:
1) The 100 Year War lasted 116 years, from 1337-1453.
2) The Panama hat is made in Ecuador.
3) The October Revolution is celebrated in November.
4) King George's first name was Albert. In 1936, he changed his name.
5) Puppy. The Latin name is INSULARIA CANARIA, which means islands of the puppies.
The Baboo looks a bit puzzled. He lifts his dhoti, picks up his chappals, and hurries away!
May 26, 2009
Conversation about this article
1: Jaswinder Singh Sidhu (Melbourne, Australia), May 26, 2009, 11:06 PM.
I was smiling wider and wider, as I reached the end of the article ...
2: Anu (Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada), September 24, 2009, 11:11 AM.
Hmm ... time to join the 'Gyani class'!