The alarming surge in the coronavirus cases globally has already engulfed all of us into a shadow of deep-rooted fear and panic. In India, the number of coronavirus cases is now around 2069 and the worldwide count has already surpassed a million. At this hour of crisis, the only thing that can keep us going is faith. And to bring a ray of hope to 130 crore citizens of India, our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made an announcement this morning, at 9 AM.
What Is It?
The PM has urged all the citizens of the nation to turn off all the lights at 9 PM sharp on 5th April, Sunday and stand at their doors or balconies for 9 minutes with lighted candles, diyas, torches or mobile flashlights. The thousands of diyas illuminating together all over the country will celebrate the power of unison, reminding all of us that we are not alone in the battle against the deadly virus.
What’s More?
This is the second initiative of our PM to unite all countrymen amid lockdown. The first one was on 22nd March which was the first day of Janata Curfew. At 5 PM, people clapped hands, clattered with utensils and created resonances of applaud from their balconies, praising all the doctors, social workers and others who have been working day and night. On that day though, many people deviated from the norms of social distancing and flocked out to the streets with utter excitement. This time, Modi has mentioned on a special note, to carry out the act of illumination only from the balconies, and refrain from creating any mass gathering.
So, let’s come together and take up this small effort to erase the darkness of the hour.