My dear fellow citizens,
Today marks 9 days of the nationwide lockdown against the
Corona pandemic. The discipline and spirit of service you have displayed during
this periods unprecedented, and embodies the true meaning of both.
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
Corona virus on Sunday 22nd March, has today become an example
for all countries. Many are replicating it now.
Whether it is people’s curfew, ringing bells, clapping hands
or clanging plates;they have 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.
Friends, today, when crores of people of this country are
confined to their homes, it will be natural for anyone to question what they
can do just by themselves.Some people may also be worried about how they are
going to fight such a big battle on their own. Many will be concerned about how
many more days they will have to spend like this.
Friends, this is certainly the time of a lockdown, and we
most certainly are confined to our own homes, but none of us is alone.The
collective strength of 130 crore Indians is with each one of us, it is the
strength of each one of us.It is required for our countrymen, to from time to time,experience
the greatness, majesty and divinity of this collective strength.
Friends, in our country the citizenry is considered a
manifestation of God itself. Therefore, when the nation is fighting such a huge
battle, one should from time to time keep experiencing this collective
superpower manifesting itself in the form of the people.This experience boosts
our morale, gives us direction and clarity, a common aim as well as the energy
to pursue the same.
Friends, amidst the darkness spread by the Corona pandemic, we
must continuously progress towards light and hope. We must continuously strive
to take those of us most affected, our poor brothers and sisters, from
disappointment to hope. We must end the darkness and uncertainty emanating from
the crisis, by progressing towards lightand certainty. We must defeat the deep
darkness of the crisis, by spreading the glory of light in all four directions.
And that is why, this Sunday, on the 5th of
April, we must all together, challenge the darkness spread by the corona
crisis, introducing it to the power of light.On this 5th of
April, we must awaken the superpower of 130 crore Indians. We must take the
super resolve of 130 crore Indians to even greater heights.
On the 5th of April, on Sunday, I want 9 minutes
from all you, at 9PM. Listen carefully, on the 5thof 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.
At that time, if you haveturned 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 luster, 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!
Friends, I have one more prayer in this regard, that no one
must assemble or gather anywhere while participating in this program. 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 panaceato break the chain of Corona virus.
So, on the 5thof April at 9 PM.Sit in solitude for
some time and reminisce about Maa Bharati, picture the faces of 130 crore
Indians.Experience the collective resolve, the collective superpower of 130
crore Indians.This will give us the strength to fight, as well as the
confidence to win, in this hour of crisis.
It has been said
here that –
Utsaho Balwaan Arya,
Na Asti Utsaah Param Balam |
Sah Utsahasaya Lokeshu,
Na Kinchit Api Durlabham ||”
Meaning, 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.
Thank you very
much!
*****
VRRK/KP
(Release ID :200948)
PIB
