Devised by two scientists of a New Delhi research institute, the test, which could provide a reliable result within an hour, honours the fictional Calcutta-based sleuth created by the cineaste.
Fast and accurate testing for the pathogen is a crucial factor in tracking down and halting the spread of the deadly virus, and it’s appropriate that the investigative skills of a diagnostic Feluda — short for FNCAS9 Editor-Limited Uniform Detection Assay — be recruited to help solve the lethal mysteries of the pandemic.
Similarly, other projects engaged in the hunt for a remedy for Covid-19 might call themselves by names borrowed from detective fiction heroes.
A possible candidate for such nominal enlisting might be another India-based sleuth, HRF Keating’s Inspector Ganesh V Ghote of the Bombay Police Force who has been the protagonist of over 20 books and several films.
Apart from imparting an impetus to the efforts to crack the Covid-19 case, the thought that hawk-eyed Holmesian stand-ins are surveilling preventive transgressions like going maskless in public or not maintaining social distancing might deter such trespasses.
As Feluda might say, ‘Koro na!’ which translates as a prohibitory ‘Don’t do it!’