With a “slight pause” and “much fervor,” Air India crews will now be required to offer glory to the motherland… at the end of every single announcement, which could get awkward if the lavatory goes out of order.
According to Indian broadcaster NDTV, airline officials sent out a “reminder” to all staff to end in-flight announcements with the line “Jai Hind” (translated variously as ‘Hail the motherland’ or ‘Victory to India’) in accordance with the “mood of the nation…”
Now with this new move, I’m sure Air India will soon become profitable. Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/5Am6UyiQPe
— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) March 4, 2019
“With immediate effect, all (crew) are required to announce ‘Jai Hind’ at the end of every announcement after a slight pause and much fervour,” wrote Amitabh Singh, director of operations, at the airline.
The decree comes alongside soaring national enthusiasm resulting from the country’s conflict with neighbouring Pakistan. The long term rivals turned to gunning down each other’s aircrafts and firing shells across the border after India attempted an attack against terrorist camps in the Pakistan-controlled area of Kashmir earlier this year. While the results of the assault are disputed, the countries have been at daggers drawn ever since.