For Sunday’s ‘light the lamp’ initiative, PM Modi sets the ground rule

The country is in a 21-day lockdown to check the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease Covid-19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged people to “challenge the darkness” of the coronavirus by lighting a lamp, torch or mobile flashlight on Sunday.

Many people ignored the social distancing norms to thank people engaged in fighting coronavirus disease, on the day of Janta Curfew on March 22. (Sant Arora/HT Photo)

“This Sunday, April 5, we will challenge the darkness of coronavirus threat together. On April 5, at 9 pm, I need your nine minutes. At 9 pm, turn off all the lights in your houses and light a diya (lamp), candle, torch or flashlight for nine minutes at your doors, or balcony,” PM Modi said in a video message.

The Prime Minister, however, said that social distancing should be followed and people should not form groups while lighting the lamps. He also urged people to stay indoors.

He had asked people to take the measures put in place by the government seriously after violations during the Janta Curfew. Many people had come out on the roads during the self-imposed curfew on March 22.

Watch | ‘Switch off lights, light candles at 9 pm on Sunday’: PM Modi’s message amid lockdown l Full speech