indica News Bureau-
With India seeing a surge in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, Prime minister Narendra Modi in his 29-minute address on Thursday appealed to the people to take precautionary measures such as observing a ‘Janta Curfew’ on March 22 to prevent the spread of the virus.
The government also announced that no international flight will be allowed to land in India from March 22 for one week.
The announcement came as the number of COVID-19 cases in India reached 173 on Thursday.
Four people have died in India of the COVID-19, which originated in China and has spread quickly around the globe, claiming thousands of lives, hurting economic activity and forcing countries to go into lockdown.
“I appeal to you all that for the next few weeks, step-out of your homes only when absolutely necessary. As far as possible, try and do your work, whether related to business or job, from home.” PM Narendra Modi told in his speech.
He further said, “this Sunday, that is on 22nd March, all citizens must abide by this people’s curfew from 7 AM until 9 PM. During this curfew, we shall neither leave our homes nor get onto the streets or roam about our localities. Only those associated with emergency and essential services will leave their homes.”
In the beginning of the speech PM Modi said, “Till now, science has not been able to find a definite solution to save us from the Corona pandemic, neither has a vaccine been developed. In such a situation, it is very natural to get worried.”
Talking about the importance of social distance, PM said, “During such a pandemic, only one mantra can take us through – ‘Hum Swasth, toh Jag Swasth’, that is the world will be healthy if we stay healthy. In a situation like this, where there is no known cure for the disease, it is imperative that we stay healthy. Patience is an essential virtue to avoid this disease and keep oneself healthy. And how does one practice patience? By staying away from crowds and gatherings, avoiding leaving your homes. This is called ‘Social Distancing’ nowadays, and is critical in these times of the global corona pandemic.”
Talking about the safety of elderly people, PM said, “request my fellow citizens for support on one more issue, that of people’s curfew. People’s curfew means a curfew imposed for the people, by the people, on the people themselves.”
PM also requested the public to perform a unique event at evening and tribute it to those who are working 24×7 in the pandemic condition. The Prime Minister also wanted the nation to applaud at 5 pm on March 22 the selfless work of essential services personnel. He said, “In the midst of all these efforts of the people’s curfew on 22nd March, I would also like to seek your support on one more matter on that day. For the past 2 months, lakhs of our people have been working day and night in our Hospitals and Airports. From doctors to nurses, hospital staff, sanitation workers, airline employees, government staff, police personnel, media people, people associated with train-bus-auto rickshaw services, and home delivery agents; all have been selflessly serving others, without caring about themselves.
In the current circumstances, these services cannot be considered to be ordinary. Today, these people run the risk of getting infected themselves. Yet, they continue to fulfill their duties, serving others. As defenders of the nation, they stand firmly between us and the Corona pandemic. The nation is grateful to them all.
“I wish that on Sunday, 22nd March, we express our gratitude to all such people. On Sunday at exactly 5 pm, we all stand at the doors, balconies, windows of our homes, and give them all a 5-minute standing ovation. We clap our hands, beat our plates, ring our bells to boost their morale, salute their service.”
“It is critical that in this environment of a global pandemic, humanity emerges victorious, India emerges victorious! The festival of Navratri is coming up in a few days. This is a festival of worshipping ‘Shakti’. That India moves ahead with full Shakti, full Strength and Energy, is my heartfelt wish to one and all.” he said concluding the speech.
