Unlike
the country wide imposition of lockdown of Emergency days, today 1.3 billion Indians
voluntarily embraced Janata Curfew. Complying the twin mantras of “resolve”
and “restraint” advocated by Prime Minister Modi to break the viral transmission
chain, Indians pointedly underscored the importance of “social distancing”.
By 5pm, reiterating solidarity, people thronged to balconies, windows and doors
expressing gratitude to doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, paramedics
and essential services personnel. Heart-warming applause in the form of tali, thaali,
shankh naad, traditional bells, dholaks against the background of the Gayatri
mantra in some places has connected the citizenry in an emotional bond.
Reverberating sounds symbolised harmony, resilience and the battle readiness of
the people. With their categorical approval, ordinary citizens have pledged to
work in unison.
India is
home to one-sixth of the humanity. Prevention of viral outbreak in this densely
populated nation is a huge challenge. Instead of resorting to characteristic
Chinese way of draconian and aggressive crackdown, as a leader of masses,
honouring the precedents of a democratic society, Modi made an earnest appeal
to countrymen. Urging the nation to come
together, Modi psychologically readied the citizens for an impending graded
lockdown. The test of real leadership is
the moments of crisis. Standing tall and leading from the front, Modi galvanised
entire nation. Mobilising the nation for an unprecedented health emergency, Modi
sought the voluntary participation and cooperation of people. In the process,
he has proven to the World how a diverse, large and often chaotic nation like
India can work as a single unit in times of need.
India is
about to step into the crucial third phase of the community spread and an
imminent surge in infection rate is anticipated. While critics expressed
concerns of India’s readiness and limited resources to tackle the viral
outbreak, Modi advocated the smart strategy of social distancing. Janta Curfew is
thus, Modi’s way of announcing its long battle against the Chinese virus. Instead
of coercing people through a regimental approach, in synchrony with state governments-
sealed the state borders, cancelled interstate buses, passenger trains and suspended
local metros. Simultaneously, government identified 75 districts, the hotspots
of viral infection for imposing section-144. In sharp contrast to stringent and
spontaneous clamp down, Modi government adopted a slow and graded response, giving
leeway for citizens to adjust to new statusquo. This will eventually go a long
way in containing viral spread.
Modi’s second
term has been full of surprises and replete of deliverance on various fronts.
Like the iconic legislations which changed the political, social, economic scenario,
Prime Minister’s approach to the health emergency is bound to overhaul the public
health services. Unlike the first World which is caught napping, India upped
its guard just days after the news of Chinese viral infection made to the
headlines. While WHO dithered and wasted precious time in designating the viral
outbreak as a pandemic, India enforced massive thermal screening, isolation,
quarantine and managed to keep the infections low.
Raising
the guard, Modi launched, Janata Curfew, to underline the importance of staying
at home, restricting unnecessary travel and socialising. People firmly endorsed
this landmark event which spurred the nation to embrace social distancing and
empathically cooperate with government agencies to keep our nation infection
free. By entrusting the citizens with the responsibility of serving the nation
by staying at home, Modi successfully sent the larger message to each and every
citizen of the nation.
Indian
Prime Ministers thus far are known to have special appeal among restricted
sections of the society. Modi has defied all class boundaries. As an orator of
par excellence, he touched the hearts of millions of Indians spanning all
sections of society. With his unparalleled communication skills, Modi managed
to bring the diverse Indian society together. The success of this massive
people’s exercise stands testimony to this fact. Unruffled by the massive
disinformation campaign that feeds on negativity and pessimism, Modi has reposed
faith in Indian masses. Amidst pessimism, defiance and callous attitude of the
entitled class, Modi appealed for public support in his current battle against
Chinese virus. People have resoundingly responded to his exhortations. Over the
past six years, Modi has created a feeling of belongingness to the nation among
the citizens. He believed in collective functioning. For centuries, colonists trampled
Indians with -Divide and Rule Policy, and Modi sowed the seeds of “Together, we shall
overcome”.
By
winning the confidence of people, Modi has earned the support of the people and
overcome a major barrier. Pray people continue to respond in one voice and collectively
overcome the threat of Chinese virus pandemic.
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