Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening delivered a prime-time address on the coronavirus, reassuring the country about India’s pr...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening delivered a prime-time address on the coronavirus, reassuring the country about India’s preparedness to take on this challenge. He urged Indians to take part in essential social distancing measures to prevent Covid-19 from spreading.
From the get-go, Modi made it clear that Indians will be called upon to do much more. “I need your [cooperation in the] coming few weeks and your time,” the prime minister said. “In the last few days, a complacency has crept in. This is not correct. It is essential that every Indian is aware and alert.”
Calling on Indians to exercise restraint, Modi said it is important to not step out of homes unless necessary, and in particular it was crucial for older citizens to avoid meeting people. He then called for a “janta curfew” – a self-imposed lockdown – on Sunday, March 22, comparing it to the blackout drills that took place in war time in the past. He suggested that Sunday’s curfew be punctuated at 5 pm by Indians taking to their balconies to clap or ring bells to express gratitude to the doctors, nurses, transport workers and others who provide essential services during the pandemic.
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