Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (SHP)
New Delhi, Apr 3: 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.
"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," PM Modi said in an address to the nation.
"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," Modi added.
"Switch off every light in the house, reach to your main gate or balcony and light a candle, diya, torch or your mobile's flash for 9 minutes," Modi added.
"The way you greeted and appreciated the coronavirus fighters on March 22 was exemplary; everyone everywhere is trying to emulate you. You have shown to the world that an entire country can unite and fight against a crisis like this. Now that everyone is locked in at home, many would be feeling alone and wondering what they could do alone. It is true that we are at home and under a lockdown but we are not alone, he said. We, 130 billion people, are all in it together, and we must recognise this," the PM said.
As of now, the cases in India has crossed the 2,000 mark with over 50 deaths.
Earlier on Thursday, the Prime Minister held a meeting via video-conference with all the chief ministers of different states over measures to tackle the coronavirus 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.