The Prime Minister asserts that India would successfully defeat the challenge posed by COVID-19 and hopes to put it behind by his next radio broadcast in April.
Five days into the 21-day lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reached out to citizens with an “apology for tough decisions” in the fight against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak. He also warned that those violating the lockdown were “playing with their own lives”.
In his latest monthly radio broadcast, Mann Ki Baat, Mr. Modi said: “I would like to apologise … and my conscience tells me that you will forgive me.”
“I have had to take some decisions that have created hardship for you, especially my poor brothers and sisters… They must be thinking what kind of Prime Minister is this who has locked up all of us. I specifically ask for forgiveness from them. But looking at the world, this looks like the only option,” the Prime Minister said.
Striking an optimistic note, Mr. Modi wrapped up his 36-minute address by asserting that India would successfully defeat the challenge posed by COVID-19 and hoped to put it behind by his next radio broadcast in April.
On those violating the lockdown rules, Mr. Modi said, “This is sad…Many people across the world did the same mistake. Those who are defying lockdown are playing with their own lives”.
Referring to reports of social discrimination against patients infected with the virus, Mr. Modi said, while maintaining social distance, there should be an increase in social interaction.
“Social distancing is not about ending social interaction… This is the time to infuse new life in your relationships…. Increase social distance but decrease emotional or human distance,” he urged.
Speaking to patients who had recovered from COVID-19, the Prime Minister urged them to share their stories on social media and “make them viral to inspire others”.
The Prime Minister said traditional Indian knowledge has taught the country to deal with a diseases before it acquires a furious nature.
“Coronavirus has imprisoned the whole world. The virus is challenging everyone — knowledge, science, poor, weak, rich and powerful. It is neither bound by any territory nor region nor weather. This virus seems determined to kill human beings,” he said and urged “the entire human race to resolve to fight
Describing doctors and nurses as frontline soldiers in the battle against COVID-19, Mr. Modi spoke with two doctors about their experience in dealing with the current health crisis.
The Prime Minister also thanked the nurses and reminded that the current year is being commemorated as the International Year of Nurses to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale.
Talking about the importance of people who are helping maintain essential services, Mr Modi called them as “Daily Lives Heroes who ensure that your lives are not disrupted”.
Wrapping up his address, the Prime Minister encouraged people to restart their hobbies or utilise their time to introspect. “Don’t go outside and but use this opportunity to look within yourself,” he said.
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