New Delhi, April 3 Days after the stupendous success of the 'Janata curfew ', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed to citizens to light candles and diyas on April 5 at 9 p.m. for nine minutes to dispel the darkness and gloom brought by the outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus. He termed it as an attempt to show coronavirus, the strength of Indian unity and 'light'.
"This Sunday, 5th April we have to challenge the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to introduce it to the power of light," PM Modi said in an address to the nation.A
"We have to take Mahasankalp (the supreme oath) by 130 crore citizens to new heights. I want your 9 minutes at 9 p.m. on April 5," Modi added.
Modi then asked Ind toswitch off lights in their homes, reach out from their windows, gates or balconies and light a candle or diya for 9 minutes. Even torches and mobile phone lights would also do.
"Switch off every light in the house, reach to your main gate or balcony and light a candle, diya, torch or your mobile's flash for 9 minutes," Modi saidA
Modi also said that Janata Curfew on March 22, was a success and had set an example for the world to follow. He claimed that various other countries were following the idea to thank health workers, other people involved in essential services during these hard times.
( With inputs from IANS )