The state-run carrier Air India has been running elucubrated operations to evacuate Indian citizens stuck in foreign countries due to the Wuhan Virus pandemic engulfing the entire globe. The gallant crew has been performing its duty in the worst of scenarios, yet the success rate has been one-hundred per cent. At the time of an epidemic, you expect the fellow countrymen to be courteous and respectful towards the efforts of Air India and its crew members. But, as it turns out, some Indians are out-and-out diabolical. Few injudicious neighbours and vigilante Resident Welfare Associations (RWA) have been found targeting and harassing the crew members incessantly.
In an official press statement released by the Air India, the company has said that some vigilante RWA’s have been ostracising its crew members–who have been abroad to help out in rescue operations.
At a time when the entire world has been brought to its knees with lockdowns happening almost everywhere. India and its government-owned air-carrier has been evacuating its kin from across the virus-stricken countries. In the attempt, the heroic crew has been time and again putting its lives on the line.
#FlyAI : Dear all, we invite your attention towards this press release . Kind cooperation is solicited. pic.twitter.com/cbTGXIr0tP
— Air India (@airindia) March 22, 2020
“It is alarming to note that in many localities, vigilante Resident Welfare Associations and neighbours have started ostracizing the crew, obstructing them from performing their duty or even calling in the police, simply because the crew travelled abroad in the course of their duty,” Air India said in a statement.
#FlyAI : We would like to appeal to all,particularly the law enforcement agencies,to ensure that AirIndia crew are treated with respect and freedom that every citizen deserves, especially those who have been discharging their duties in selfless manner for return of fellow Indians pic.twitter.com/Uthlk57jG3
— Air India (@airindia) March 22, 2020
Although debt-ridden, the airline is leaving no stones unturned and going all out to bring the countrymen from major epicentres of Wuhan virus—Wuhan, Rome, Milan to name a few.
On Feb 1, an Air India 747 flew to Wuhan, the then epicentre of Coronavirus to rescue 324 stranded Indians, one of the earliest rescue ops by any government globally. A day later, the same aircraft rescued 323 more Indians along with 7 Maldivian nationals. More recently, 263 Indians, mostly students, stranded in Rome, Italy were also evacuated by Air India.
In addition to bringing people, Air India is also supplying medical aids to countries. The government has sent aboard a special Air India flight with vital aid materials to assist the country of Italy. Outside mainland China, Italy has been the worst-hit country because of the virus.
Air India issues press release asking for agencies and RWAs to stop being discriminatory to its brave crew (as the pic above also shows). @DelhiPolice @MoCA_GoI @AmitShah @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/1UzK7nuTE0
— Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) March 22, 2020
Air India clarified that every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of its crew during the flights abroad. Sanitizers, gloves, and masks in ample amounts were also provided to the crew during the flights. “Crew members who are landing into India from affected cities are sent on home quarantine and also to designated hospitals for a check-up as part of the protocol,” the press release said. Therefore it does not make any sense for some imbeciles to heckle the good Samaritans like this.
Big salute to Commander Capt. Swati Raval and her courage! Jai Hind 🇮🇳 @airindiain #CoronaWarrior #IndiaFightsCoronavirus https://t.co/qt6gfjv3k8
— Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivekoberoi) March 23, 2020
So proud of you @airindiain https://t.co/EyUo49K0Li
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 23, 2020
The crew members that are being subjugated to hatred by the ungrateful RWA’s should understand that thousands of families have only breathed a sigh of relief because of the airline and its crew members. With all the international flights around the world either stalled or cancelled, Air India has emerged as a messiah for the Indians.
It is indeed very unfortunate that some miscreant elements are trying to pile more misery on the nation in such turbulent times. From the technical on-ground maintenance crew to those on board the aeroplane, they all are heroes, albeit without a flying cape. But we as a country do not acknowledge our heroes. It is sad to say but it is the truth, Air India is the hero we do not deserve.
