Covid-19: Let’s unite in lighting lamps at 9 pm on Apr 5, PM urges nation

In a video address the PM thanked the people for their support and asked them to light lamps on April 5 at 9 pm for 9 minutes in solidarity

Addressing the nation in a video message on the ninth day of the lockdown today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the discipline and restraint shown by the people was unprecedented. The government, administration and the public have done their best to deal with this problem, he said.

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, he added.

“It is considered that citizens are akin to God in this country. From time to time we recognise the stregth of 1.3 billion people and that gives us strength in this fight against coronavirus. We have to take those who are the most affected by this crisis — the poor, the weaker sections — towards hope and light. This Sunday, April 5, we will all challenge the darkness of coronavirus and show the light of our strength. This Sunday, April 5 at 9 pm, I want your 9 minutes. 1.3 billion people of the country should switch off the lights of their homes, stand at their doors and light candles, lamps, torches or their mobile flashlights,” the PM said. “In that light on Sunday night, we will all resolve that none of us is alone. All 1.3 bn people will resolve this and draw combined strength from each other,” he added.