Ghar Ki Murgi Dal Barabar

Image Source: http://www.sailusfood.com/2006/07/01/dal-makhani/ 

Vir Sanghvi, the noted columnist, has written in one of his recent articles in Brunch (Sunday Magazine of Hindustan Times) that Indians abroad miss their favourite dish Dal (Indian Curry) most. The fact is that Dal is the most important dish of all Indians since time immemorial. One can not think of Indian food without Dal. There are large variety of Dals available in the country. Dals are prepared in a variety of ways. Method of preparation varies from state to state. Same Dal is prepared in different ways on different occasions and different places. This is the most important source of protein for Indians as most if the Indians are vegetarians . In fact , no Indian food is complete without Dal. Many snacks are also prepared from Dal.

Despite all its importance, Dal has been humiliated since ages. On slightest pretext and without any provocation, any Tom, Dick and Harry would say 'Ghar Ki Murgi Dal Brabar'. No one says Ghar Ki Murgi Bhat Brabar or even Saag Brabar. Dal has specifically and intentionally been picked up to heap insult on it, in spite of of its prominent and important place in Indian cuisine.

The matter does not end here. During auspicious ceremonies, it is customary to make offerings to Devatas(Gods). Offerings to Gods consist of flowers, fruits, rice, sesame, barley etc. Here again, Dal has been missing from the list of offerings. We can think of ourselves eating Dal all alone but we can not think of eating rice or Roti alone. But Dal has not been considered to be dignified enough to be offered to Gods; it is not difficult to imagine the fury of Gods on offerings of rice and barley being made without Dal.

This shows complete humiliation and injustice being meted to Dal by the Indian society since centuries. The States policy is inclusive growth. No segment should feel neglected and humiliated. That explains the spurt in prices of Dal in recent Years. With Dal selling at Rs 100 a Kg, can anyone in his senses say 'Ghar Ki Murgi Dal Barbar'? Obviously, the answer is an emphatic no. The honour due to Dal has been restored.

Ghar Ki Murgis would also feel elated now if some one compares them with Dal.

Lastly, the state should ban comparison of Ghar Ki Murgi with any other food item to avoid the possibility of any other such incident in future.