In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, people of India have realized their collective strength, prime minister Narendra Modi said in a short video message Friday morning. He also urged people to light lamps Sunday night as a gesture of this collectivity.

“Today marks nine days of the nationwide lockdown against the Corona pandemic. The discipline and spirit of service you have displayed during this period is unprecedented, and embodies the true meaning of both,” the PM said. “Government, administration and the public at large, have together made great efforts to manage the situation as best as possible. The manner in which you had expressed gratitude to all those fighting against the Coronavirus on Sunday, 22nd March has today become an example for all countries. Many are replicating it now.”

He said whether it was janta curfew of March 22, ringing bells, clapping hands or clanging plates; they all made the nation realize its collective strength in these testing times. “It has led to the deepening of the belief that the nation can unite as one in the battle against Corona. This collective spirit of yours, of the nation, can be seen manifesting itself during these times of lockdown.”

Announcing another gesture and activity, he said, “On the 5th of April, on Sunday, I want 9 minutes from all you, at 9PM. Listen carefully, on the 5th of April, at 9 PM, turn off all the lights in your homes, stand at your doors or in you balconies, and light candles or diyas, torches or mobile flashlights for 9 minutes. I repeat, light candles or diyas, torches or mobile flashlights, for 9 minutes at 9 PM on the 5thof April.”

He further said, “At that time, “if you have turned off all the lights of your homes, and each one of us in all directions has lit a diya; we will experience the superpower of light, clearly illuminating the common purpose we are all fighting for. In that light, in that lustre, in that radiance, let us resolve in our minds that we are not alone, that no one is alone!130 crore Indians are committed, through a common resolve!”
 
The gesture is aimed at ending “the darkness and uncertainty emanating from the crisis, by progressing towards light and certainty. We must defeat the deep darkness of the crisis, by spreading the glory of light in all four directions”.

Modi also urged people to not to assemble or gather anywhere while participating in this programme. “Please do not go out on to the roads, lanes or your localities, do it at the doorstep or balconies of your own homes. One must never cross the ‘Lakshman Rekha’ of Social Distancing. Social Distancing should not be breached under any circumstances. This is the only panacea to break the chain of Corona virus.”

Quoting a Sanskrit verse, Modi reminded people that “there is no greater force in the world than our passion and our spirit. That there is nothing in the world that we cannot achieve on the basis of this strength. Come, let us come together and jointly defeat this Corona virus, and make India victorious.”