A 'socially distanced' I-Day celebrations in times of COVID-19
New Delhi: A kit containing a mask, a small bottle of hand sanitiser and a pair of gloves kept on all chairs which were neatly separated to maintain the prescribed distance -- Independence Day celebrations this year typified the 'new normal' in times of COVID-19.
Known otherwise to witness bustling crowd across many age groups, the annual grand event at the historic Red Fort was scaled down this year in keeping with prescribed safety protocols to contain spread of the novel coronavirus that has wrecked havoc across the world.
At the main entrance, the limited number of guests invited for the event underwent thermal scanning by security personnel donning personal protective equipment (PPE) kit, while hands-free sanitiser dispenser have been kept near security gates.
Inside, chairs were placed in a careful matrix across all enclosures. Each seat had a sanitiser kit, a hand towel kept on the back rest along with the programme pamphlet. Social distancing norms were also in place on the rampart where the VVIPs were seated.
Every year, a sea of school children add youthful energy to the grand event, but amid the coronavirus scare, they were not present on the occasion this year.
"Today, our children are not here with us. The coronavirus pandemic has halted all of us," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
Colourful carpets in enclosure and aisles contrast seating and walking areas, and posters bearing social distancing norms messages like 'keep six ft distance', 'wear a mask', dot the venue.
Guests, security staff, VIPs, all were sporting masks as prescribed under the safety norms. Some guests were even seen sporting designer masks to add to the uniqueness of the event that embraces the 'new normal' brought in by the coronavirus pandemic.
Delhi has been one of the worst-affected cities in the country as far as the spread of the virus is concerned. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital has crossed 1.5 lakh, while 4,178 people have died due to the viral infection.
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‘No special “good news”; Delhi visits routine, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bamul President D.K. Suresh on Wednesday said there was nothing unusual about his recent visits to Delhi and dismissed speculation about any “good news” linked to the occasion.
Speaking to reporters at the Bengaluru Milk Union Limited (Bamul) office, Suresh said, “I am not aware of any ‘good news’. There is always some good news or the other. Sometimes we travel for party work, sometimes for personal reasons, and at times for government-related matters. There is nothing special about it.”
Responding to a question on whether there would be any announcement on the occasion of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s birthday, Suresh said Shivakumar had already appealed to supporters not to put up flex boards or banners.
“He has asked people not to put up flex or banners due to environmental concerns. Everyone should follow this,” he said.
On being asked about discussions on power-sharing within the party, Suresh said it was not the time for such talks and that the matter had been left to the party high command.
“We have said we will abide by whatever the high command decides,” he said.
Replying to a question on pressure from legislators, Suresh acknowledged that there was demand for ministerial posts.
“There is pressure to become ministers,” he said.
On his recent visit to Delhi along with D.K. Shivakumar, Suresh said such trips were frequent.
“We travel to Delhi regularly. If it was a rare visit, you could ask. We go at least twice a month,” he said.
