Day: August 13, 2024

When Giani Zail Singh became the 7th President of India, his lack of fluency in English led to some embarrassment. So, Mrs. Gandhi personally appointed an English tutor for him. He was to receive instruction every evening.

After 3 weeks, Mrs. Gandhi called up the Singh household and asked to speak to Giani ji. She found that his English was halting, if that. She then had a word with the tutor and asked him to expedite the progress.

Three weeks went by, and Mrs. Gandhi called again. With the same result. This time, her words to the tutor were stronger.

Since Mrs. Gandhi was travelling, she could only call after a month. As luck would have it, the tutor picked up the phone.

“Oh, hello, Martin. Does your student speak English now?” she enquired.
“O seekh jayega haule haule. Kaali kyun karni hai?” Martin replied. (Translation: Punjabi for – He will learn gradually. Why the rush?)