Haryana Minister’s swine flu tip: Be Indian, say no to handshakes

After claiming 1,370 lives in India and infecting over 25,000 in its latest avatar, the swine flu virus may have finally met its match in Haryana.

According to State Health Minister Anil Vij, all you need to beat the virus is be Indian — don’t shake hands, greet others with folded hands.

Vij has a solution for non-Hindus too: “The person folding hands might not say namaste if they feel it is a Hindu greeting. Instead, one can fold hands and say Wahe Guru or Salaam.”

Now before you dismiss this as just another joke, look where Vij said this — in the State Assembly. And look who endorsed the statement on Monday by raising his hand in support — Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

“Angreziat ko chodo, bhartiyata ko apnao, haath milane ki bajaye haath jodkar abhivadan karo (Leave English culture, adopt Indianness, instead of shaking hands, greet each other with folded hands),” said Vij.

He was replying during a discussion that was held in the House after several MLAs raised the issue, accusing the government of not doing enough to curb the virus that has already claimed 27 lives in Haryana.

Spurred by the loud laughter and thumping of desks that his remarks drew, Vij asked those who agreed with him and have resolved not to shake hands to show their support. Among the several hands that went up was that of Khattar.

As the discussion descended into a farce of sorts, Vij added, “Aap chahe naha ke aayein ho par koi nahi nahaya hoga toh aapka haath ganda ho jayega (You may have taken a bath but if others haven’t your hands might get dirty).”

Turning to the Speaker, the Minister suggested that the House should “pass a resolution to be Indian by not shaking hands and shunning foreign culture”.

Lost in the humour, unfortunately, were some grim numbers:

* Till March 8, 252 positive cases were reported in Haryana, including 39 admitted to various hospitals and eight put on life support systems.

* Faridabad reported the maximum number of positive cases with 47.

* Kurukshetra reported the most deaths at five.

Source:: Indian Express