Of The Langar System

                                                        Of The Langar System

In June 1900 the call did come

For the Relief of Peking Legations

The Brave Rajputs of the 3/7 Regiment

Set sail to honour the Proclamation.

 Carrying pots and pans, the Rajput Clan
In the galley hesitated……………..
                                           ‘Twas beyond their dignity,                                                             
To cook with a mixed community,
So saying, to bed retreated.

For two days they withstood the pangs
Of an empty stomach………
Add to that the sea sickness,
Oh! It was just too much!
                                                         Then out of the blue came their Saviour
                                                         Subedar Major Gurdatt Singh

                                                         Who, with Ganges mud proceeded

                                                          The hearts (and stomachs) of his clan to win.

To smear the galley of 'The Nerbudda'
The holy mud was used
The caste conscious warriors now,
To cook could not refuse!

                                                          The galley had been purified
                                                           Now there was just no harm

                                                           To eat in a Community Kitchen…..

                                                           And that’s how, “The Langar System” was born!

©Falguni Chakravarty
Joshimath, 1998