Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Thursday evening on the coronavirus outbreak. He spoke about the current situation of the country, effect, measures taken by the government, and the ways to battle the coronavirus pandemic. He urged the citizens to help the government in fighting the pandemic and asked citizens to observe a “Janta curfew” on Sunday, March 22, from 7 am to 9 pm. He urged the people to stay at home and avoid public spaces during that time.
What is Janata Curfew
PM Modi said, “This Janta curfew on March 22 will help us acquaint ourselves with self-isolation.” He added that observing the Janta curfew on Sunday will help Indians prepare for the coming hardships and explained that “Janta curfew” is a curfew that is observed by the Janta and for the Janta. He also said, “All citizens must abide by this.”
However, people working in essential services such as police, medical services, media, home delivery, firefighting and serving the nation, etc., will not need to take part in the Janata Curfew.
PM Modi also urged the state governments, organizations like the NCC and NSS, which are led by youth, civil society, and other organizations to actively encourage citizens to follow ‘Janata Curfew’ and stay inside their homes.
He also urged everyone to call and inform at least 10 other people every day about the ‘Janata Curfew’ as well as the measures to prevent the spreading of Coronavirus.
Apart from this, PM Modi also made a special request while observing ‘Janata Curfew’. He requested all citizens to applaud the services extended by airlines’ staff, the cleanliness staff, those who deliver food, those who drive railways, bus or autorickshaws, government officials, policemen, and the media. Terming them as ‘Rashtra Rakshaks’, PM Modi said that the country was indebted to their services. PM Modi urged citizens to stand in the balconies at 5 PM on 22nd March and clap for five minutes to express gratitude to such people.
He said, “For the past two months, millions are working day and night in hospitals and airports and those serving others by not taking care of themselves. On Mar 22, at 5 pm, we should stand on our doorways, balconies, in our windows and keep clapping hands and ringing the bells for five mins to salute and encourage them.”
