India has begun a 21-day nationwide lockdown- the biggest in the world- in a desperate bid to stop the corona virus from spreading out of control in this densely populated nation of 1.3 billion people. There are more than 3000 a number that is rising rapidly.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 19 urged the nation to come together to thank the emergency service workers for working through the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Prime Minister then said, “On March 22, at 5 pm stand on your doors and windows for 5 minutes and clap, ring a bell to salute people who are serving the nation tirelessly,”
Seeking Opinion From Social Influencers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reaching out to social influencers to mobilise public opinion in the battle against covid-19 pandemic. The latest meeting by Modi was held on Friday in which he spoke to 40 sports personalities through video conferencing to discuss ideas on ways to fight covid-19 and keep people motivated during the countrywide lockdown.
Interacted with sportspersons via video conferencing on the situation arising due to COVID-19. Sports requires self-discipline, tenacity, teamwork and a fighting spirit. These are also required to defeat Coronavirus. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/OuWHisdaVX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2020
The list of sportspersons on Friday who interacted with Modi, included Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly, Indian men’s cricket team captain Virat Kohli, ace cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh, women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal, badminton star PV Sindhu, paralympics Sharad Kumar, weight lifter Mirabhai chanu and famous sprinter Hima Das among others.
Thank you sir, I got to the opportunity to speak and put forward my views on the present situation of under 30 years old people of our country who are at very important stage of their life, where second is valuable for our personal development and collectively our country . 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PX0wvFTXLl
— Sharad Kumar (@sharad_kumar01) April 3, 2020
You are right Sharad. I was very happy to see the passion with which you shared your insights. Young India is doing as much as possible to battle COVID-19 and their contribution will remain essential even in the coming times. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/JhHHjiLJdm
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2020
Thank you Hon’ble PM @narendramodi
sir for interacting with us today. Have shared with him how i am following lockdown while staying in my room, working on fitness & enjoying hobbies. I urge everyone to kindly follow lockdown seriously & lets unite in this fight against
COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/VPJngnkwlV— Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) April 3, 2020
Very relevant message by @mirabai_chanu on aspects such as fitness and following the Lockdown. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/QCbl6qhfuJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2020
“The idea is to reach out to 130 crore people of the country. Obviously, PM Modi cannot speak to everyone, that is why he is talking to social influencers, administrative members, chief ministers and also asking people to become part of this fight and connect with the entire nation by clapping, lighting diyas, torches or flashlights,” said Sanjay Kumar, director of CSDS
Exit Strategy: Video Conferencing with Chief Ministers
Earlier on April 2, the Prime Minister held a meeting via video-conference with all the chief ministers of different states over measures to tackle the corona virus pandemic and the lockdown. In the meeting he stressed on the strategy of ‘testing, tracing, isolation and quarantine’. He also sought suggestions from states on ensuring a staggered exit from the current 21-day lockdown. He said that the Centre and states needed a common exit strategy from the lockdown.
PM Modi emphasized “It is important to formulate a common exit strategy to ensure staggered re-emergence of the population once the lockdown ends,” urging states to come up with suggestions”.
Had an extensive interaction with Chief Ministers of various states. The Centre and all the states are working in close cooperation to battle the COVID-19 menace. We are doing everything possible to ensure a healthy India. https://t.co/N05Wxu3Civ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 2, 2020
PM Modi: Video Message for Nation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the ninth day of lockdown lauding the discipline and restraint shown by the Indians. He also appreciated the efforts of the health workers and the government of different states who have stepped into action to deal with the pandemic.
Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Modi, in a video message on April 3 morning, said:
“I request all of of you to switch of all the lights of your house on April 5 at 9 pm for 9 minutes, and just light a candle, ‘diya’, or mobile’s flashlight, to mark our fight against coronavirus. This Sunday we have to challenge the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to introduce it to the power of light”. “We have to take Mahasankalp (the supreme oath) by 130 crore citizens to new heights. I want your 9 minutes at 9 p.m. on April 5,”
A video messsage to my fellow Indians. https://t.co/rcS97tTFrH
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2020
“At that time, if you have turned off all the lights of your homes, and each one of us in all directions has lit a diya; we will experience the superpower of light, clearly illuminating the common purpose we are all fighting for. In that light, in that lustre, in that radiance, let us resolve in our minds that we are not alone, that no one is alone! 130 crore Indians are committed, through a common resolve,” he said.
He also said, “This (social distancing) is the only ‘ram ban’ (Ram arrow) to fight this disease…There is no force larger than our spirit, there is no battle we can’t win using this spirit”.
In his Video message, PM Modi has also encouraged Citizens To Stay Patient And Spread Positivity. Indians must be commended for the discipline shown under coronavirus lockdown.
Nation supported PM Modi’s gestures
The whole supported PM Modi’s ideas to fight against COVID-19 and created a #tag on twitter in his support, #ModiVideoMessage.
8. When we would light Diyas or Candles or Flash Lights together at one time, we would feel a sense of oneness even in our isolated zones. We would together light up the dark&there would be a collective connection with each other.#CoronaVirusChallenge#ModiVideoMessage#Candles
— Archana Sharma (@archie229) April 3, 2020
The feeling of oneness will strengthen our resolve in our fight against the pandemic. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/La5GOa8ogh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2020
PM urges country men to spread a Ray of Light among each other on 5th April 2020 at #9baje9minute with diya,candlestick or torch light of your phone would also do.
Let’s us all burn the evil Corona Virus by spreading peace,happiness and compassion. pic.twitter.com/TGnttjndEW
— Reema Kaur Ahluwalia #SocialDistancing (@Reema_ahluwalia) April 3, 2020
Peace, happiness, compassion in such times will be very valuable.What we will do on the 5th will further these. #IndiaFightsCorona https://t.co/IYiICsp9Z5
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2020
PM Modi trolled on the video message
Some people misunderstood PM Modi’s video message and starts trolling him on twitter, whatsapp and other social media. People created #tags like #ModijiDontMakeUsFoolAgain and #PutNationOverPublicity to criticize him.
There’s a repeated demand to equip our healthcare workers which is being ignored by the govt. Such an attitude towards the people who are fighting this battle is putting their lives at risk. #PutNationOverPublicity pic.twitter.com/ALXG0jtYBF
— Congress (@INCIndia) April 3, 2020
Increasing the number of ICU beds, ventilators and isolation wards is of utmost importance right now. Will the govt provide clarity on what is our current capacity and the plan to increase the same?#PutNationOverPublicity pic.twitter.com/PLumvfU9n7
— Congress (@INCIndia) April 3, 2020
⚠️ Be Alert 🔴
Humble Request 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Those of you who plan to burn “Diya/Candle” on 5th April Night ensure that there is no Sanitizer on your Hand #ModijiDontMakeUsFoolAgain @farwali_ pic.twitter.com/c88aqEUSNx
— 💔 (@adnan_urf_addu) April 3, 2020
This led the government, through the Press Information Bureau, to dismiss these as “rumours” and “unscientific”.
“Don”t fall for the rumours/unscientific reasoning on the appeal for lightning Diya/candles/flash/torch on 5th April at 9pm. This initiative is to show solidarity and confidence in our collective fight against #Covid19,” the PIB tweeted.
It also urged the citizens to “Please maintain #SocialDistancing to keep #Covid19 at bay.”
