NEW DELHI – Air India has reminded cabin crews to follow all announcementswith a rousing cry of “Hail India!” as nationalistic fervour grips thenation in its latest military standoff with Pakistan.
“With immediate effect, all are required to announce ‘Jai Hind’ at the endof every announcement after a slight pause and with much fervour,” thenational carrier’s head of operations said in a circular.
A spokesman told AFP the order was first issued in 2017 but that a reminderwas required because new staff had joined.
It comes as India’s biggest military standoff with Pakistan in yearstriggers a rise in patriotism, stoked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aheadof looming elections.
India’s excitable news channels have gone into overdrive and people havebeen flocking to a rip-roaring film about an Indian special forcesincursion into Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Its catchphrase “How’s the josh?” — meaning “How’s the fervour?” — hasbeen widely quoted on and offline, with government ministers employing itat political rallies.
An Indian fighter pilot who was shot down, captured and then released byPakistan has become a national hero, with some copying his handlebarmoustache and even one baby named after him.
The latest crisis between the nuclear-armed Asian foes was sparked by asuicide bombing in Indian Kashmir that left 40 Indian paramilitaries deadon February 14.
India launched air strikes inside Pakistan 12 days later, and an aerialdogfight between the two countries’ air forces over Kashmir broke out thenext day.
Tens of thousands attended funerals and solidarity marches around India forthe 40 men, with some setting fire to Pakistani flags. The group thatclaimed credit for the attack is based in Pakistan.
Islamabad’s release of the pilot last Friday eased international alarmalthough tensions remain high, with both sides firing shells and mortarsover their de-facto border in Kashmir.
Indian media reports said that a Pakistani military drone was shot downover northern India on Monday, while Islamabad said Tuesday it prevented anIndian submarine from entering its waters.
Air India’s announcement Tuesday also attracted mockery on social media inview of the stricken airline’s crippling debts.
“Much welcome but before starting this Air India should improve theservice. Make the airline profitable. Keep up to schedule. Stop wastingtaxpayer money. Be customer friendly,” quipped Dinesh Joshi, one Twitteruser. – APP/AFP