Sj Desk
On Friday morning, amid the 21-day nationwide lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked all Indians to display their collective resolution against the ongoing battle with the deadly COVID-19 that has gripped the nation by switching off all lights on April 5 at 9 pm and lighting a candle, diya or flashlight for 9 minutes.
“I request you to switch off the lights of your home for nine minutes, at 9 pm on Sunday, April 5. Light a candle, diya (lamp) or a mobile flashlight for those nine minutes to show your participation in this fight against the disease,” said the Prime Minister.
"Don't go out on the streets. Do it from your doors or balconies. Maintain social distancing." 'Don't cross the Lakshman Rekha', the prime minister reminded after people were found to violate the 'Janata Curfew' by taking to the streets in large numbers to bang plates together, therefore defeating the entire purpose of the first self-lockdown.
In his morning address to the nation, PM Modi also hailed the efforts of people and authorities to make the 21-day lockdown a success.
“The discipline and sense of service you showed, is unprecedented. The people and administration have tried to make this routine a success. The way you thanked those at the forefront of the fight against coronavirus March 22 has set an example for the world,” he said.
“Many of you think what a single person can do? How will he/she be able to fight this battle? And how long will you spend your time under lockdown? We are at home, but not alone. We have the strength of 130 crore countrymen with us,” he said in his 12-minute video message.
