Kabutar, ja, ja, ja! To avoid complications

Last week, we had warned readers about the risks taken by India's officialdom, especially when it comes to 'calls/shows of duty' like observing Independence Day. Coupled with our foreboding is the fact that Fortune hasn't been kind, or blind, to police sir-jees this week, whether in Kolkata or in Chhattisgarh's Mungeli. Mungeli district police chief Girija Shankar Jaiswal was dressed in his finest finery (read: uniform) as he stood alongside chief guest BJP MLA Punnulal Mohle and district collector Rahul Deo. Setting a pigeon free seems to be part of I-Day ritual. Mohle's and Deo's birds, when set free, flew up and away in the right spirit. Jaiswal's bird, alas, didn't comply and, rather anti-nationally, sank like a stone.

Sarkari embarrassment draws sarkari ire. So, Jaiswal - who was, after a short wait, provided a substitute pigeon that did fly - has reportedly sought 'disciplinary action' against 'those responsible' for the dead bird situation. Warning signs even before our last week's comment was actually provided by a scene in Season 3 Ep 1 of the web series Panchayat. There, an MLA at an official ceremony throws a pigeon into the air - while saying 'Go, Kabutar, Go!' in 'Go, Corona, Go!' style - only to find it succumb to gravity. We suggest occasions like I-Day opt to have fun, rather than stand on - well, plop to - ceremony.