BRAHMIN AIRMEN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19311, 29 April 1937, Page 5

BRAHMIN AIRMEN

FLIGHT TO ENGLAND

A NO I NT ING C K RE M 0 N \

BOMBAY, April 17,

Following the Might of the Japanese "Divine Wind," an Indian aeroplane hopes to dash to London in record time for the Coronation.

Sri Shankaracharva, spiritual head of 270,0C0.0C0 Hindus, will ily in the special aeroplane to give official blessings to Their Majesties according to the traditions of Hinduism.

The aeroplane is named "Maruti" after a IlintMi monkey god who is supposed to have made one big jump from Imm Delhi to Ceylon in search of S'ita, wife of Rama. The machine will be flown by two Indian pilots, both Brahmins, and the passengers will include Shankaraeharya and two Brahmin disciples. They propose to fly on an auspicious day at the end of this month.

All the occupants of the aeroplane will he Brahmins, and for non-Brahmins to touch the machine will be considered an unpardonable crime. Shankaraeharya will bring the necessary requisites for anointing Their Majesties—holy water from the Ganges, sandalwood paste, tiimba leaves, coconuts and red -rice (rice mixed with red kumkum powder). In Hampstead the largest room in Lho house of a Hindu has been reserved for the party. The .only furniture is one wooden chair and a mattress on the floor.

During the air journey all occupants will live on dried fruits and milk. A feature of the journey will be the constant reading of the Bhagvatgita by the leader.