‘GoodMan The Laltain’

Gobind graduating from Pre-School

I often call Gobind, “GoodMan the Laltain.”

The phrase traces its roots to early 20th century Indian Army slang, “Goodman the Laltain, bad man the Diya.” It was a rustic expression, often attributed to North Indian troops, suggesting that both good and bad men have their own light, the good man shining bright like a lantern, the other perhaps like a small lamp. It carried humor, satire, and affection in equal measure.

Now comes an even more fascinating layer.

Gobind’s Nana Pa Maj Gen (Retd) Harkirat Singh in ceremonial dress and Nani Ma

Major General (Retd.) Harkirat Singh,  Gobind Nana ji of the Indian Army adds that lanterns were introduced into the Army around the end of World War I. They were manufactured by the Goodman Company of the UK and remained in service even when he was commissioned in 1971, though by then they were being produced indigenously.

Folk lore among North Indian troops gave rise to the phrase “गुडमैन दी लालटैन” ,  quite literally, “Goodman’s lantern.” Over time, it blended into soldierly humor and affectionate address.

Gobind, however, had his own understanding of why I call him “GoodMan, the Laltain.”

He has long believed that I bestowed this title upon him because he is the tenth descendant (Lal’s Tenth descendent) of Bhai Nand Lal, the eminent poet in the court of Guru Gobind Singh. In his mind, the lineage itself was the lantern, glowing with inherited poetry and grace.

Then came the delightful moment.

Shiv and Gobind in San Ramon Ca this Christmas when Gobind was visiting home from Boston

Shiv came running to me, phone in hand, Gobind on live call, proudly confirming that he was indeed the tenth descendant.

At which point Major General Nana ji wryly adds:

“Has the aspect of ‘10th or 11th descendant’ been resolved?” 😃

For in simple arithmetic truth, Gobind is the eleventh.

And so my “GoodMan the Laltain” shines, not merely because of ancestry, not merely because of regimental folklore but because he carries the flame forward, one generation brighter.

I burst into laughter like never before.