New Delhi: In his first video message to the nation since the nationwide lockdown was put in place, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged people to switch off lights of their homes at 9 pm for nine minutes on April 5 and light up lamps, candles, mobile flashlights to display the nation's collective spirit to defeat coronavirus.
"I request all of of you to switch off 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," Modi said.
The Prime Minister said people should maintain social distancing and not form groups while lighting up lamps and urged them to stay indoors. This message was apparently aimed at ensuring that there is no repeat of March 22 evening when people assembled in large numbers in many parts of the country to ring bells or bang utensils to show their gratitude to those working on the frontlines during the crisis.
He also lauded the people for displaying unprecedented discipline and sense of service during the nationwide coronavirus lockdown that started on March 24 for a period of 21 days.
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Modi said that though people are now isolated inside their homes, they are not alone as all 130 crore Indians are together.
"Today, when crores of people are inside homes, some of us might think - how will we fight this battle against COVID-19 alone? Such questions might come up in your mind, but please remember, none of us is alone. The strength of 130 crores of Indians is with each one of us," he said.
Modi also said that the way Indians appreciated those fighting against COVID-19 on March 22, is now being followed by the rest of the world.
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