So, during the Battle of Britain, the Royal Air Force was losing planes and pilots so fast that some of those who were sent out on missions barely had a dozen hours of experience.
A radio conversation was recorded on one of the planes returning over the English Channel.
Young Pilot: ‘Tower, I have lost power.’
Tower: ‘What about flight controls?’
Young Pilot: ‘I have no controls left.’
Tower: ‘Is your parachute packed and working?’
Young Pilot: ‘I am not sure.’
Tower: ‘Can you manage to open the canopy and see if you can stand?’
Young Pilot: ‘I am afraid I am stuck in my harness.’
Tower: ‘OK, let me see what I can do.’
Young Pilot: ‘Roger that.’
Tower:
Young Pilot: ‘You there?’
Tower: Ah yes. Just found it. Can you hear me?
Young Pilot: ‘Loud and clear.’
Tower: ‘OK then. Let’s do this. Repeat after me…’
Young Pilot: ‘Ready…’
Tower: ‘Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name….’
Young Pilot: ‘—–‘
Cut to 2020. Coronavirus in India.
People: ‘We need a plan. We need food. We need shelter. We need medication.’
Students: ‘We need education. We need exam schedules. We need alternative learning methods. We need reassurance that our academic year won’t be wasted. We need employment.’
Doctors: ‘We need PPE. We need testing kits. We need protection.’
Entrepreneurs: ‘We need bailouts. We need a leg up. We need a financial package.’
Scientists: ‘We need resources. We need money. We need time.’
Opposition: ‘We need to be taken in confidence. We need to be part of the plan.’
Government: ‘Watch Ramayana. Read Bhagwad Geeta. BMKJ.’
To clarify: The pilot story was a joke. The Coronavirus story is turning into one.
