In days of demonetisation, people are making the most of the saying, “Every time you find some humour in a difficult situation, you win.”
While standing in bank and ATM queues and worrying about the cash, they have not forgotten their witty side. Several jokes, poems and oneliners are in circulation on social media and Whattsapp regarding the present situation in the country.
Some aptly describe the public mood, and some create a humour out of otherwise painful situation. Bouquets and brickbats for the Government wrapped in jokes and poems are trending too.
In the first few days the main worry for citizens was to get rid of high value currency notes of `500 and `1,000. These denominations of currency were allowed in petrol pumps and public utility places. Obviously there was rush to tank up petrol, even if not needed immediately, and hoard groceries.
One of the jokes that aptly described the situation was: “Abhi `1000 ka petrol bharaya, aisa lag raha hai mano laash thikane laga di ho,” (Just now got petrol filled for `1000. Feels like I have disposed off a dead body)
And as behavioral scientist Peter McGraw of the University of Colorado said: “Humor arises from potentially negative situations,” the long lines before ATMS and banks may have led to perspiration and palpitations, but this situation also inspired several jokes. Sample this: A customer called a pizza shop and orders for one small pizza with extra cheese. The shop owner asked for address. “Standing in line at the Pritampura State Bank, at number 22, in green shirt,” replied the customer!
And for those who have turned a shade darker standing in queues here is another one: “Your grandchild can proudly say in 2025 that my grandfather stood in a queue for six days. He himself turned black but returned with pink (`2000) notes.”
Here is something on those having Black Money. “As per the latest information, you can deposit your old `500/ `1000 notes even after 31 March, 2017. Five banks in India have been specially assigned the task of accepting your notes for as long as it is needed. No ID proof will be asked. No source of income. These banks are: Banks of Yamuna, Banks of Ganga, Banks of Godavari, Banks of Brahmaputra and Banks of Cauveri,” essentially meaning go and drown your money in river.
Something on income tax department too is in circulation: “Ye sochna galat hai kit tum par nazar nahi, masroof hum bahut hai, magar be-khabar nahi.” (Don’t think you are not under scanner. We are busy a lot but not ignorant)
Not to miss the joke from the boozers. The joke is that they have asked Government to either allow sale of liquor in banks or ask banks to sell liquor because “we cannot stand in two lines.”
Poet Ghalib too has been dragged in: “Aaj intney bhi nahi khazane mein, jitney kabhi chhor detey thhey pajamey mein. (Today I don’t even have that much amount with me that I used to once leave in my pockets) based on Ghalib’s Aaj itni bhi mayassar nahi maikhane mein, jitni hum chhor diya karte the paimaane mein.
After Government permitted higher withdrawal amount for marriages, bang came the one-liner: “After debit card and credit card, this is the first time that people can withdraw money through a wedding card.”
And not to miss: “What more can be acchey din — a man strolling in the market with his wife without spending a single penny.”
There were some praising the PM for the crackdown on Black Money: “In the year 2000, Amitabh Bachchan played Kaun Banega Crorepati. In 2016, PM Narendra Modi is playing Kaun Rahega Crorepati.”
Here is the last one but not the least: “Soch raha hoon aaj raat ko do borey akhbar jala doon. Padosiyon par raub padega.” (Thinking of burning two sacks of newspapers. It will create an impression on neighbours).