I think people should understand the hidden inferiority complex among so-called hindu chavinists. When they read history and look back the only thing they see is magnificient rise of a sikh culture and sikh nation in the sub continent that discarded every thing that was lagging Indus Civilisation behind the world. So its part of Ideological warfare. As long as Sikhs keep themeselves aware this wont make much difference. Let the ruling elite of India base its foundations on humiliation of others. History and Time will them no quarter.

Arwinder, Melbourne, Australia

tell reliance to use "Dhirubhai Ambani" instead of sikh/sardar/santa/banta etc.

we all will enjoy the funny side along with you.

what say Mr. Anil Ambani?

Jagpreet SIngh, Torino.Piemonte, Italy

Its amazing how people are claiming that this is just a joke!!. Try printing a joke about a muslim or hindu - as people have done in the past and you see worldwide demonstrations and as a result, censorship of any comments that would offend these majority religions. Just because we are not the majority - does not mean we will sit quietly and endure these bully boy tactics.

Jas, Birmingham, UK

Reading all these comments, my heart warms up to the fact that so many of my countrymen, irrespective of religion or region, have come forward in support. It is only a small fraction of bad fish that spoils the pond. But these putrid, decaying fish--- sites like Santa Banta, MUST be taught a lesson. It doesn't matter against whatever religion or region or group is involved. I feel as bad if I come across a joke involving another religion. Psychologists would call this a "feeling of inadequacy or insecurity" in the minds of these morons who perpetuate these jokes. Even in a family, when emotions run at a pedestral of heightened sensitivities, a small, stupid remark can spark a confrontation. So, Plz. Let's be sensible!

Jas Singh, Markham, Canada

Mr Amar Singh
No one doubts the valour of the Sikhs!
Unfortunately this bravery was used more in the service of the British Masters against other Indians.Learn your history!!

K, Mumbai , India

To be fair that joke isnt funny..there is always a line that shouldnt be crossed..I feel sorry for my Sikh folks..

Viswa, coimbatore, India

This is not a joke - but an insult. There is no humour in it.
It is not right that only Sikhs are protesting it.
Everyone with common sense should protest it.
Don't know how Reliance can ignore this and not apologize.

S Mehta, Singapore,

Jokes about Sardar is an insult to a proud Indian. I believe people who creates joke about them are themselves a bunch of foolish joker. I think we should ignore them. Its like somebody saying Himalayan range as tiny hilly region.

Swarup Sengupta, KOlkata, India

I don't agree totally with sardars being considered as poor intellectuals. According to me, as far as I've seen my Sikh friends, they are one of the most intellectual and hard working people around with positive attitudes. Beides, they are fearless and bold people. You can find them any where around the globe. They are not ashamed of taking up any job and they make their country proud wherever they go.

I think it is because of this nature of sikhs which is not found in most of the people in India, they became jealous and started making fun.

All these kinds of unsolicited messages and pulications should be strictly banned.

Faby John, Kuwait, Kuwait

Those joked should not have been aired. It is plain insult. Those who claim them as harmless jokes, should consider how it will feel when they are the target in a joke. Those who doesn't understand the pain in others when insulted are racist at heart.

Rasheed, Bangalore, India

This Sikh community is one of the most friendliest communities you can ever come across. If derogatory jokes are made on them its highly unacceptable.

The Court should put a heavy penalty in this particular case so that this acts as a deterrant in the future.

Sikh community is the pride of India. Just go to UK or US you will feel at home just because of the Sikh community being present there.

If at all there are jokes it must praise the sikh rather than insulting them.

Kesavan, chennai, tamilnadu

The virulent tide of jokes about sikhs was a calculated attempt by brahmin hindus years ago to riducle the growth of a religion which was basically took birth as a backlash against the Brahminical siege of the hindu regligon. The sikhs, like several others will continue to be the target of the elitist Brahmin Hindus as the later are too smart, cunning, and opportunist.

Robin, Montreal, Canada

I don think all the jokes are based on Sardarjee only, i am getting jokes on other communities too but as far as sardarjee jokes are concerned i think they are wrongly interpreted. I have seen many Sikh guys who were toppers in their class. Even in My college, college topper was a Sikh guy. And i really owe him. Don worry buddies one day all the jokes will vanish.

Naresh, Noida, UP

Santa and Banta work in a software company. One day, they were to move their m/cs to another building. Santa was having a tough time carrying his machine.
Santa : "My m/c has 500 MB disk. See how easily I am carrying it. Yours has just 250 MB. Can't you carry even this much?"
Banta : "But yours is empty and my disk is full"!!!

santa singh, Patiala, Sardarland

The few Sikhs I know in America are smart, well-educated, and extremely intellectual. Clearly whoever's making these jokes is quite jealous -- Sikhs are a successful community from all my interaction. They even stand out from the other Indian immigrants--Sikhs care for others, most other Indians seem to be here just for money. And they have free food at their temples!

Allan Jacobson, Mahwah, NJ, USA

A joke should be taken as what it is: a momentary smile passed between people, nothing else. Jokes are basically harmless, and an effective tool to breaking ice between people. There are jokes about all nationalities , religions, races, professions, hubbies, localities, emotions, ages etc. etc. etc. There are Gujju jokes, Madrassi /Mallu jokes, Bengali jokes, Jew jokes, drunkard jokes, lawyer jokes ........ the list is endless.
It is true some categories are more numerous than others. But stereotypes cannot be broken by force or by judicial means. What Sikhs should do is chip away at it in their daily lives by proving themselves as different from the stereotype. Stereotypes change over generations and FIRs and effigy-burning will only serve to reinforce the stereotype of teh typical Sikh.

An Indian, above all else, Moscow,

Sikhs have had more than their fair share of jokes made on them. That said India has PLENTY of jokes on North/South, greedy baniya, myself being one ;-), hypocrite brahmin, women, men, marathi, sindhi.. you name it!
Jokes apart, Sikhs are really respected as is evident from the fact that despite the decade long terrorist movement killing thousands of Hinuds, run by Sikh extremists, there is NOT a trace of ill will against them. In fact they are us.

Manu Agrawal, London, UK

Its good to laugh, but targetting someone or teasing heart or abusing particular religion is really unfair. One should always treat the joke on himself first. LET ALL KNOW-SINGH IS KING-
who loves all and made for everyone.
History will teach all that has been done by a sikh.
So, please be witty before speaking or composing anything raw.

Sukhwant Singh, Kota, Rajasthan

It’s a disgrace to make fun of Sikh community that have suffered so much for protecting Hinduism and Hindustan.
I sincerely believe that the government take stern action against the culprits.

Vinu, Hitchin, Herts

yeah, its time we start looking positively to sikhs....they have been the butt of jokes no doubt for ages, but they contribute very well to society as well
come on...lets keep things in a healthy limit !

shripad, normanton,

Sikhism is a beautiful religion that offers a life of peace, meaning and divine bliss. Sikhism is the only faith which shows the path to realisation of Akaal (timeless god). Due to lack of education and awareness in recent years however, so many of our youth are being deprived of a rich and amazing spiritual heritage. Seeing our lack of education, various groups have made us their prime targets and an ever increasing segment of our community has been lost to a very powerful and deceitful force.

Jaikaran Singh, Alberta, Canada

I believe there is a strong need to change the way people perceive Sikhs and exploit their humility.

Jagpreet Singh, Delhi, India

Sikhs are cool. They know that these jokes can never undermine their importance in India. But that joke [mentioned in this article] is really rough, in fact it is not a joke at all. I bet no indian would've laughed at this.

And there is no such thing like 2nd class citizen as mentioned by Harry. They are respected equally.

Kelli, Chandigarh, India

I think it is unfair to make jokes specific to sikhs. It just shows how little concern we have for others. Lets just get rid of this bad practice.

NS, Ahmedabad, India/Gujarat

It is sure time for the sikh community to protest. Being an Indian i support the cause to raise voice against such disgust. Sikh community for long has tolerated such humor but now whenever people look at sikhs they think they are either illitrates are filled with non sense but actually they are people who live with a big heart and a good sense of humor.
Jokes are meant to played with fictious people, Suppandi humor is one such thing. I hope that there is no person in this world with his name or the same personality or looks as that of the fictious character supandi. If there is one then these jokes are also to be stopped. Jokes are meant to make people cheerful not offended.
Its now time to stop all this. I support this cause.

Kunal Kamdar, Chennai, tamil Nadu

If that is the case, then my Thakur/Rajput. From now onward stop making films which shows Thakur & Rajput in bad tastes. From decay we are films showing them as bad guy.

Sagar Sisodia, Southfield, US/MI

If you have to make jokes, joke about yourself.

Can these people dare to joke about mohamme , Ram , Sita etc.

It's true everywhere. Even in western culture, people joke about themselves their communities their race not somebody else's race.

Like Blacks jokes about black , White about White, Jews about jews.

We wont' tolerate this tthing and it's not just joke it's insult to sikhs.

Who have protected hindus when Moguls were raping your daughters and females.

Why couldn't you joke then

Sandip, charlotte, nc

I completely agree with Sardar Jas Singh.....Something needs to be seriously done about this......Its ridiculous........I have never seen the indian media ever showing the good deeds done by the Sikhs.....But if sumthing negative is done by an individual it comes to the limelight immediately........And they point it by saying a SIKH Man/Women was......I have never seen a thing which says a Hindu/Muslim/Christian Man/Women was......What do they wan to prove......And also the word minority in this country is reserved for muslims.......not for people like us......

Amandeep Singh, Chennai, India

On the one hand it's true these kinds of jokes are common for a majority of cultures and isn't usually a big deal and can be taken on the chin. However does this necessarily make the existence and use of these jokes ok? If you are fed up there is no reason why you shouldn't stand up and make yourself heard. Maybe it is time that every Welsh/Irish etc people complained about the stupid things said about them. Don't get me wrong i can see the consequences of this but that doesn't mean you should back down.

Annie, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

I have seen jokes regarding Sindhis on a regular basis. I am not offended. Why should the Sikhs be offended is beyond my understanding!

A. Sukhwani, Virginia, USA

There is little or no fault of Reliance mobile service as it is One97 to be blamed for this.
However, it must be kept in mind that not all jokes are politically correct and that not only should sites like One97 remove jokes on Silks but also other ethnic or minority community.
Certain jokes are only funny in certain context and surroundings.

P.S: The joke comes at a time when the Prime Minister of India is a Sikh scholar and one of the most important member of the Planning commission in India is a Sikh (MR. Aluvalia)

Arvind, Rotterdam, Netherlands

One of the reason why pakistan was built. Its all in the system !!!

Saad Ali Khan, London, U.K.

I do not think it's fair to suggest that sikhs 'fail to see the funny side to the jokes' disclosed. I as a sikh have often come across jokes of a certian taste and am by no means offended; but like my counterparts join in with the banter.

There is however a difference between joke and slander. To suggest the idea that sikhs constitute the lower strata of society when it comes to intellect is a 'foolish emperialist ideology' one which was crused valiantally by the likes of the great feedom fighters many of whom you will find were sikh.
The Prime minister of the country is sikh and Punjab itself is one of the most prosperous states of India.
I do not need to state any more because the achievements of sikhs nationally and internationally speak for themselves and are visible for those who wish to see them. Rather than worrying about 'sikhs without a tail' such individuals need to ensure that they look at their 'own tails' which have grown as result of bigotry on their part.

Sonia Gumman, BATH, United Kingdom

anyone who is racist is stupid. anyone who thought that joke was funny is stupid. anyone who pays to receive jokes like that is beyond stupid. that'll be 50p please.

funny jokes can be subversive and sometimes we can't help laughing in spite of ourselves. but this is just a pathetic insult. it just reflects badly on the person who wrote it (or adapted it).

jem, london, uk

Poor intellectuals? Dimwittedness?

Certainly not the Sikhs. People who have a laugh at another community's self respect and honour - such people are who we can call 'Poor intellectuals. Dimwittedness'. Like Gurbani (Guru Granth Sahib Ji says (as in such a case), don't argue or entertain such idiots.' If Anil Ambani must be brought to answer, the Sikhs needs to get him at Akaal Takht Sahib where he faces the Panj Pyare who will then give out the appropriate 'punishment'. This will ensure that the Khalsa Panth settles such Panthic matters, not courts of human ignorance and corruption.

Lakhvir SINGH, Nairobi, Kenya

please ban sikh joke and let Mr. ambani apologies for it soon. its disgusting.. how can one feel pleasure and a laugh by hurting others sentiment.... remember if sikhs step back from the border areas there is no one to save us.....

Adil SMH, Delhi, India

This story sounds to me very similar to the Teacher in the news this week naming a Teddy Bear Muhammad in Sudan. Social Faux Pas - except the difference is this guy really should know better considering he is Indian, lives in India and fully understands Indian culture!
In the UK, this joke is what we would call 'near the knuckle' - not really appropriate. And you don't have to be Sikh to see that.

Charlotte, Wiltshire, UK

In a way it's nice to know that other nations are just as hopeless as us when it comes to ethnic jokes. The Dutch tell Belgian jokes, the Irish tell Kerryman jokes and the Iraqi Arabs tell Kurdish jokes. What it all proves is that we are all basically as dense as each other.

Frank Upton, Solihull,

I am really amazed at how people are reacting to it. How do we expect to be a libral country if we raise hue and cry for every small thing that happens and really do not care about the big picture. Come on guys people in this country die because of utter state of neglect and lack of medical facilites.When our security agencies are spending their valuble time to solve crimes few good for nothing people go ahead and create mountain out of a mole.
Think and speak ...

manideep, pune, india

The action by Reliance is regrettable.

In todays world when policians are doing their utmost to divide the country (1984 has already created a permanent divide between Hindus and sikhs), we should avoid anything that hurts sensibilities.

My Sikh brothers and sisters, I would like to express my sincere regrets at this insensitive action by Mr Anil Ambani's company and its associates.

I come from a Hindu family where the eldest son was always made a sikh. To me this is extremely upsetting.

Dikraa, Dubai, UAE

I think Sardarji jokes are cool and 90% of the jokes here in Lahore are on sardarjis but nevertheless it should not be the means of offending or discriminating very loving sikh community.

Sohail Khan, Lahore, Pakistan

Hindus should not forget that because of the sacrifice of Sikh Gurus their religion was saved. If it would not had been the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bhadur no Hindus would have been here in this world. How they had gone begging in front of Guru when their religion was at stake.
It is really disgusting and shameful that Hindus make comments on Sikhs just because of their beard and turban. Shame on such jokes.

Ravi, Locanto,

The Indian's are blindly following such kind of idiotic jokes which is purposefully spread by britishers to insult the community which was fighting hard for freedom...

At least now Indian's should understand this and stand by this community by not spreading such jokes

Lots of such divide and rule strategy is followed by Britishers..
The other one which is equally dangerous and followed even today is "Anti-Brahmanism". Britishers did this to tackle the intellectual war waged by them against their ruling.

Vijaya ananth, Bangalore, India

Once a couple of boys were travelling in taxi in Delhi.Learning that their driver was an old Sardar,they passed comments on him by telling sardar jokes.
When they reached their destination, the sardarji / driver gave them 1 rupee coin and asked them to give this coin to that sardar whom they find begging ,it may be anywhere in the world !

The moral is, you will not find a single sardar who is begging . All of them are hardworkers.

Above all , we are insulting that community whose 5 gurus sacrificed their lives to protect Hinduism from Islam at the time of Aurangzeb !

Please dont pass jokes on the "Royal Community"...SIKHS.

Swarup S.Kulkarni, Pune, india

i apologises to all sikhs ,i will never appreciate any sardar jokes ever in my life.....india must have to rise from castiest remarks as its shows really a disrespect to a our most bravest and hardworking people.

chandan kumar, nagpur, india

I have seen this people from india justify it by saying sikh have the humility to laugh at themselves , In india people treat sikh as 2nd class citizen even sikhs provide them bread to whole india , Sikhs contribution in india freedom is 93% stiil they have been tried as 2nd class citizens India media , movies news paper not leave a single chance to crack sikh jokes, As sikh are more weathy and prosper that hindu majority so they show there fraustation like this,

Harry, London , Surrey

Sardarji jokes has been there for very long time. Many Sikhs tolerate, I assume, whether they enjoy or not. However, making a book of it, and sending one as a part of paid service is absolutely wrong.

Sikh friends should also accept the reality of being a point of "notice", as they stand apart among others.

All I recall about Sikhs is their bravery and hardworking nature. I still remember a quote "you cannot find a Sikh begger." None of those sardarji jokes comes to my mind when I answer to those people who ask about them.

Do not worry buddies - you are not known as "dimwitted" everywhere. Best of luck for your fight against those idiot profit-takers.

Kadavul, Santa Clara, CA, USA

Recently there is a rapid rise in jokes about sardars. Almost all jokes are now begining to be based on sardars. At some point the confrontation will have to be because some way it will effect the morale of sikh people.At some point of time there will be a need to put a full stop to this.

Akaash, chennai, India

"Sardarji jokes are as commonplace in India as blonde jokes in Britain, playing on the Sikh stereotype for dimwittedness because of their burly physique and reputation for making good soldiers and poor intellectuals."

Dimwitted, Poor Intellectuals??? Well as far as i know the Prime Minister of India, a Sikh is less politician and more of a distinguished intellectual, the chairman (again Prime minister) and Depurty chairman of Planning Commission Of India, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, also a former economist with world bank, are both sikhs. And there are countless high profile sikh intellectuals occupying top posts in India.

To be fair these jokes are based on no logic, they just smack of typical hindu style racial hatred towards others otherwise why don't indians have Brahmin (upper class hindus) jokes as they have always been wily cowards?

Gurpreet Singh, London,

Does this not amount to racism as people from a particular religion are being laughed upon and are being compared to donkeys coz of their apperence or just coz of owing allegience to certain faith?

Don't think it can't get more racist than this. As for Sikhs, it'd be wrong to call them not being able to see funny side considring the amount of bashing that they have had over the decades. I think they have shown tremendous tolerence over the past by taking these jokes in a humourous manner and sharing a laugh but constant and repeated humiliation intimidation and stooping to the lowest by the makers of these jokes has forced sikhs to raise their voice.

And also why do we force our standards on others we also need to see what the recipient of humour feels about it and if he's offended why not stop if we genuiely have no intentions of delibrately hurting or humiliating them. I feel indians now need to stop coz they have crossed the limits so much that it has offended the recipient.

Gurpreet Singh, London,

This is just typical of the indian mentality. I myself have worked with Indians who have come over to England to work here and they regularly circulate sikh jokes between themselves and only stopped when i confonted them. They couldnt see what was wrong with their jokes as their society is racist to the core.

The English tell jokes about the irish/welsh etc but this cant be used as an example as the english dont owe their freedom to the irish/welsh as the hindu majority do to the sikhs. The sikhs protected hindu india from the moghul raiders, the british raj and various others whilst being a minority.

Its time Indians showed this great martial race the respect they deserve. India just struggles to come to terms with the fact that they owe their freedom to the people who make up 2% of their population and this is how they deal with it. Grow up India if you want to join the word superpowers you need to loose this third world mentality

Amar Singh, Birmingham, England

In my humble opinion, Sikhs are respectful people who have the humility to laugh at themselves. They are among the most hard working of people.

Presh, Wadebridge Cornwall,

this is disgusting....no society should allow this kind of thing to happen... jokes on sikhs are disgusting and i am surprised how coolly everyone distributes or read it... we are a mockery of society...or an uncivilized society

imran ali, delhi, india

Point to be noted---- If you go to Santa Banta or any other similar site, you will see Sardarji jokes, or Priest/ Church jokes but no Patel jokes or Kumar jokes.... WHY???
Well, my friends, this CANCER runs deeper. Pick up any North-Indian newspaper especially The Tribune, & it has the audacity to deliberately point out the minority religion. Example ---A sikh man was caught.-----, or Mr Singh said---- Does Mr Singh not have a first name, or only the majority community members are fit to be mentioned by their first names. All other minorities are clumped anonymously in community specific middle or last names.
I am very happy that a lawsuit has been filed. It must be followed by legal slaps on all such nefarious web-sites bent on insulting our religion. Unless they are made to pay multi-millions, they will not mend their ways, for the only language they understand is the language of money.
And a message to our community--- Strength lies in unity, adaptability & FORCEFUL LEGAL ACTION.

Jas Singh, Markham, Canada

Poor intellectuals? Dimwittedness?

Stereotypes of minorities in India is disgusting and as we all can see India had not learned how to respect its people. Taking into consideration, this is not the government but a private corporation sending out blatantly racist and prejudiced jokes, India needs to develop its own intellect and "political correctness" as its economy develops. Unfortunately, due to poor education, ignorance is ripe in many developing nations, therefore it should be the responsibility of not only the state but also all other institutions to ensure poorly worded and prejudiced jokes or any materials for that matter to be sent in mass text messages. I look forward to the lawsuit and hopefully changes in how things are currently being run, in which the tyranny of the majority is clearly present in the world's largest democracy in this instance.

Jatinder Lachar, Surrey, Canada

Have been at the receiveing end of these stereotypical jokes all my life. No one likes to be consistently put down because of their belief and background. No matter how hard I work, India sees me as a village idiot because I am a Sikh.

Sarabjit Singh Bajaj, Mumbai, India

"Sardarji jokes are as commonplace in India as blonde jokes in Britain, playing on the Sikh stereotype for dimwittedness because of their burly physique and reputation for making good soldiers and poor intellectuals."

By what consensus can you say Sikhs make poor intellectuals ?

Amardeep Singh Jawandha, Ames, US

It seems that a simple joke, which has a little charm in its simplicity and has been told in 5 languages that I am aware of in five different countries, should be singled out to be offensive by a single group of people. This joke does not ridicule a religion, it is a simple joke at the expense of a group of people of a particular faith. It is genuinely funny.
The main problem is one of censorship. How far will this stance be taken? Almost all actions taken by somebody give offence to somebody. Taken to its unltimate conclusion will mean that humour will become humourless because of the fear it will cause offence to some people.

Albert, London, England

if every Welshman complained about the 1000-year old and unbelievably tired joke about sheep, the courts would be filled with English dullards until eternity. just rise above it... what are we? American?

tim jones, london, uk

the sikhs shud be immune to this.
if they send a message that they're bothered, more n more ppl will try to mock and tease

they shud ignore n blindside.. being more sensitive will cause only more worries and headaches, in this hitech world.

even as high as thailand's king, prophet muhammad, etc are ridiculed on internet. such sikh jokes r not gonna stop. and at least its not on sikh religion, but only light hearted styles..

No religion, Columbus, OH