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It has been 66 years since World War 2 ended, but the infinite revolutions of the clock’s hands could not erase the impact of this catastrophic event. Till date the nuclear radiations cripple new born babies in Japan, US still possesses the ‘super country’ tag it had attained after the war and countries like Austria and Poland are still struggling to resurrect their fallen cities. Other than these results, the war had a few positive spin-offs too. Some of them can be seen on our city roads – Royal Enfield Bullets and Willy Jeeps were the indispensable vehicles of the War.

An indigenous vehicle to this state, the open jeep is synonymous to the the proud Punjabi spirit. Having travelled to many cities across the country I was really disheartened to see that the jeep is put into use either by milkmen to carry their milk barrels, or by the politicians to carry their false promises. Being a citizen of this wonderful city of Chandigarh, I feel  happy that this heritage vehicle is used as an accessory of pride and dominance.

Popularly called the ‘Landi Jeep’ in the emphatic Punjabi accent, it can be acquired from an exclusive showroom. To own it, one has to get the engine and chassis assembled. A place called ‘Dabwali’ near Bathinda is the Mecca of the Jeep assembling industry. A Mahindra classic body, Toyota 2C engine, Buckle Seats, JK Tornado tyres, Maruti Gypsy disc brakes and other minor accessories would cost your pocket a minimal Rs. 1.5 to 2 lacs. Cheap considering the fact that after owning one you shall be the talk of the town.

However, as Chandigarh boasts of very strict traffic norms, ‘Open’ jeeps are not allowed on the city roads and hence a canopy needs to cover your head at all times. But the Punjabi hormones, your royal glittering drive and the ‘Dekh Laange’ attitude never lets the voluntary hand muscle to pull the canopy over.

So now let your genes loose after reading this article, and if they instruct your brain to travel the road to Dabwali, you can proudly say that all your 42 chromosomes are indeed PUNJABI!

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