Indian Airforce to shower petals on Hospitals

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, said that the Indian armed forces will carry out fly-pasts, light up ships at sea, play military bands and shower flower petals as an act of gratitude and gratefulness on hospitals, its doctors, policemen, paramedics and all frontliners who are fighting against the novel coronavirus. The statement has come after the Union Ministry of Home affairs extended the ongoing lockdown.

During the press conference, CDS Gen Bipin Rawat was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff MM Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and they have reiterated the sedulous efforts of the corona warriors in the country. CDS Gen Bipin Rawat stated that right from March 24 until the coming May 3, every Indian was asked for a considerable sacrifice and most of they have even cooperated and worked from home.

He also particularly mentioned a few Indians labelled as ‘the corona warriors’, who are risking their lives every day to ensure that basic amenities such as electricity and water are delivered to everyone, keeping the streets clean, delivering basic food items and making sure no patient is returned untreated, police maintaining the law and order and Indian citizens stranded abroad are brought back and cared for.

“These corona warriors be it the doctors, nurses, hygiene and sanitation staff, police personnel or media personnel, they have ensured that India keeps on fighting this pandemic. We salute these warriors and their efforts and wish them the best of health. We are grateful for their sacrifice and their efforts in fighting Covid-19, knowing fully well the dangers that they face,” he said. “On May 3, there will be some special activities as a gesture of special gratitude by all three forces,” he added.

It was stated that the fixed-wing and fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force will conduct fly-pasts from Srinagar to Thiruvananthapuram and from Dibrugarh to Kutch on Sunday evening and Indian Navy helicopters will shower flower petals on leading hospitals treating coronavirus patients. Navy will also deploy its warships in formations in coastal areas and the vessels will be lit up as part of the “thanksgiving” exercise on Sunday evening.

The Army will conduct mountain band displays along with some Covid-19 hospitals in almost every district besides laying wreaths at police memorials across the country. “Our police personnel have been doing a great job in the country’s fight against the pandemic. They have been deployed in the red zones. We want to express our gratitude to the police personnel too,” said Gen Rawat.