PM Modi came back too soon to address the media, and like everyone else, I also was glued to my TV set. The time 9 am was not usual, even if it was a pre-recorded address.
Modi first sought a one-day Janata curfew and soon hit the media on the same evening. In his second COVID address, Modi was much more substantive, announcing a 21 days lockdown and urging all Indians to show their gratitude to the medics by ringing or clapping their hands from their balconies at a specified time. Modi spoke of the magnitude of the problem and why the 21 days lockdown was essential to snap the chain of spreading of the virus. He had earlier talked about social distancing too. Crowds ringing bells and gongs thought that the battle was over. The groups in large numbers disregarded the social distancing norms. Their show was an approval for the frontline soldiers as well as the appreciation of the PM. I had already posted separately on this.
I expected that he would reprimand those guilty, over the attacks on doctors and nurses, on which he was silent. I had thought he would ask the state governments to implement the social distancing more vigorously, particularly in the wake of repeated violations on religious congregations, which he did not. He did not make an intense appeal to the religious leaders either. I thought he might touch upon the severe economic challenges ahead, and he did not. I thought he would talk about the food sufficiency in the country. Many were worried about a further extension of the lockdown, which he gave a miss, perhaps because it could be premature. All these were usual or mundane in the wake of the virus threat and probably could wait for his future addresses.
He now urged the 130 Indians to switch off their electric lights and light up candles, diyas or torches on Sunday, 5th April at 9 PM for 9 minutes. This time it was not specifically for any segment of the frontline workers. He is deftly trying to converge the minds of Indians, suffering under solitude of lockdown and worry about the future, to give a mood of celebration. He stated that it would show India’s united resolve to the world in tackling the virus. Modi also rejoiced that the world as a whole appreciates our fightback. PM Modi also requested that the candle lighting is done in strict compliance with the social distancing norms. With nothing else to do, India will once again comply. The candle lighting, I guess when seen from one household to another will boost the morale of the people.
My worry is, some of the states which are stiffly opposed to Modi, should not start a different day for doing a clapping or candle lighting, or any other symbolic innovations, which will lead to more problems instead of solving any. If I would light a candle, I’m not doing at the behest of a BJP leader, but a PM of a country, and in respect of the 130 crores Indians fighting the virus. I wish no politics comes in the way of our battle against the virus.
Jai Hind!
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
